Personal Profiles
CHAIRMAN - Tony Bowdler UK - Far East - France - Middle East - 1954 to 1963 Chairman of RMPA Birmingham Central Branch since formation in 1994. Tony was born in Kempsey, Worcestershire, the son of the then CSM 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment. After living in various parts of England the family settled in Birmingham. After his interview with RMP Shrewsbury, Tony joined RMP Inkerman, Woking - 458 Squad as a regular direct enlistment in July 1954. In January 1955 he joined 3 Inf Div. Pro Coy at Cavalry Barracks, Colchester. Much of his time until July 1955 was spent on exercise in Thetford PTA or foot patrol in Bury St Edmunds and Clacton on Sea. He spent a few weeks on detachment with London District Pro Coy helping with duties during the rail strike. August 1955 and off by plane to Singapore via Rome, Nicosia, Bahrain, Karachi, New Delhi, Calcutta and Bangkok. (The Plane suffered several engine failures and was eventually decommissioned in Singapore). Tony joined Malaya Command Pro Coy in Kuala Lumpur for a few months before moving to the Island of Penang and Malaya for three years. In Penang he joined the newly formed 28 Comwel Bde Gp Pro Unit and served with Australian and New Zealand Provost. Whilst in Malaya he was on detachment in Taiping, Ipoh, and Cameron Islands. In August 1958 Tony joined London District Pro Coy where after a few weeks he was posted to Fontainebleau, France with ALFCE Pro Coy. Now carrying out combined duties with American Military Police and French Gendarmes for two years. Tony's final posting in December 1960 was Cyprus. Firstly with 3 Inf Bde Pro Unit, Anzio Camp, Dhekelia. Secondly (after 3Bde disbanded) Cyprus District Pro Coy, Cambria Camp, Dhekelia. Much time was spent on exercise in Cyprus and Libya. Tony was demobbed in July 1963. Married Elaine in October 1963. He has two children, a son in business in Yorkshire and a daughter teaching in West Sussex. He has two grandchildren. Since leaving RMP Tony has been Area Manager in Security and Distribution Industry and Waste Management. Tony and Elaine now retired, live in Droitwich, Worcestershire. Tony can be contacted at tony@bowdlerpm.co.uk - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
| Chaplain - The Reverend Charles Steele Charles is Branch Chaplain to the Birmingham Central Branch of the RMPA. he was born in Birmingham on the 25th June 1924. He enlisted into The Rifle Brigade in 1942. transferring to the Corp of Military Police (Provost) in March 1944. A 'crash course' at Mytchett, then posted to 110 Provost Company, 8th Corp. Served BWEF Normandy and BLA N.W. Europe, June 1944 - March 1945. Posted to India Command May 1945. Served with 8th Indian and 5th Indian Provost Company with the rank of C.Q.M.S. He was demobilised in April 1947. He was an Operational Fireman in Birmingham Fire Brigade from 1947 until 1972. On retirement Charles trained for the Priesthood at Cuddesdon Theological College 1972 - 1974. He was appointed Deacon in 1974 and Ordained Priest in 1975. Married in 1947 to Joan (A.T.S. 1944 - 1947). They have one son (Eric), one daughter (Kay), four grandchildren (Matthew, Elizabeth, Neil and Sarah). On the 31st March 1996, in the Church of Saint Paul's in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, Charles dedicated and blessed the Branch Standard, given in memory of Lance Corporal 'Jock' Oliver, Founder member of the Branch. - - - - - - - - - - - Secretary - Derrick Griffin Called up for National Service in the Royal Artillery, at Oswestry in 1952. Two weeks there and sent to Woking into 322 Squad. After training posted to Kenya with 618 Special Mobile Police Section (SMPS) during the Mau Mau problem. The time there was spent mainly on escort duties to the Govenor of Kenya, Sir Evelyn Baring and the GOC General Sir George Erskine. Other people escorted were Field Marshall Sir Gerald Templar and Members of Parliament.
On returning to the UK was posted to 22 Corp Prov Signals TA and spent the next 4 years at Bloxwich and Wednesfield before joining the Prudential Assurance Co in 1959. Stayed with them for 34 years working all round the Midlands, retired in 1993. Married Jeanette in 1957 and have two daughters and two grand daughters. Living in Sutton Coldfield. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
