True and Fascinating Canadian History
Vet of the Month: April, 2023
Reg.#11144, Major W. G. Lloyd. Canadian Provost Corps. WWII. OBE
RCMP Vets. Ottawa, ON
Wilfred George Lloyd lived a very exciting and rewarding life. He served as a police officer in the RCMP as well as a soldier and senior Officer in the Canadian Army Provost Corps during WWII. He was recognized for his devotion to duty and to Canada, and he was highly rewarded with the OBE due to his outstanding professional contributions to Canada’s effort in WWII. At times, he risked his life while in the proximity of the front battle line.
Lloyd was born in Gillingham, England in 1907. He immigrated to Canada and he joined the RCMP in 1931. Over the years, he received regular promotions, and prior to departing on tour to New York with the Musical Ride in 1936 he was promoted to Sergeant Major. Unfortunately, the boost was short lived due to a discipline matter. Lloyd was charged in Service Court for intoxication, and as a result of the black mark on the blotter, he was demoted from Sergeant Major to Constable. But this little incident had no lasting detrimental effect on his determination or his aspirations to succeed. New opportunities were on the horizon. War was pending.
In 1939, Canada entered WWII against Germany, but in the very early stages of Canada’s strategic response it was recognized that the Canadian Army lacked a self policing capacity. It wasn’t long before RCMP Commissioner Stuart Taylor Wood suggested that volunteers from the RCMP be allowed to form a Provost Company. In “A Short History of the Canadian Military Police”, it was written that the goal of the RCMP-Provost Corps was, “to provide military police support for the 1st Canadian Infantry Division, the first expeditionary element to deploy overseas.” The formation of the Provost Corps was wholly unexpected, but Wilfred Lloyd recognized that it was an opportunity to display his superior leadership skills. Wilfred Lloyd was among the first volunteers to sign up in 1939 for the Provost Corps and the European Campaign.
Lloyd's activities during WWII are outlined in the website entitled, "Provost Marshalls." It read, "On the outbreak of WWII he volunteered to join the newly formed No. 1 Provost Coy (RCMP). He deployed to Brest in France in July 1940 with the 1 Canadian Infantry Division but returned after 3 days. He then attended Officer Cadet Training Unit (OCTU) and from January 1941 to April 1942 he was the Officer Commanding (OC) No. 1 Provost Company as a Captain. In April 1942, he became OC of 3rd Canadian Infantry Division Provost Company, and he was subsequently assigned as the Department of the Army, Provost Marshal General (DAPM) 3rd Canadian Infantry Division as a Major. He deployed on D Day with the Division. He ended WWII as Assistant Provost Marshall (APM) 2 Canadian Corps, [and he] was awarded the MBE on 10 July 1945, and became CO of the Canadian Provost Corps Depot, Aldershot, England as a Lieutenant Colonel." Throughout WWII, Lloyd's superior leadership skills were recognized, and he was awarded with successive promotions. He was actively involved in all phases and duties of the Provost Company, and oftentimes he saw action and was under direct fire on the front line.
In 1945, Wilfred Lloyd was invested as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). His citation is very well worth mentioning. It read:
RCMP Reg.#11144, Lloyd, Wilfrid George, Major, Member, Order of the British Empire Canadian Provost Corps awarded as per Canada Gazette and CARO/5826, both dated 30 June 1945.
"By reason of initiative, leadership and organizing ability of Major Lloyd, Assistant Provost Marshal, Provost resources with 3 Canadian Infantry Division have at all times met the exceptionally heavy demands placed upon them. This has been most evident during periods of active operations when traffic control on operational routes and the handling of prisoners of war have stretched Provost resources to their limit. On every occasion involving a move of this formation Major Lloyd has personally gone to the forward areas to ensure that traffic moved in accordance with the plan. Many times under enemy shell fire, the presence of this officer, his coolness, fine soldierly example and ability to overcome obstacles, no matter how dangerous the situation, have been the main factor in keeping the traffic moving forward unimpeded. As a disciplinarian he has imbued all ranks with the high standard which he himself has set. The excellent standard of discipline, deportment and esprit de corps among Provost personnel in this formation are the direct result of the insistence at all times by Major Lloyd that all ranks not only do their job well but also under any and all conditions. As a soldier and leader of men he has by his ceaseless efforts achieved an unrivaled reputation.”
At the end of WWII, Wiilfred Lloyd returned to Canada and to the RCMP. He was promoted to Corporal. He subsequently served in Fredericton, NB and at "Depot" in Regina. He was the Sergeant Major at "HQ" in Ottawa in 1948 and then Sergeant Major at "Depot" from 1949 - 1951. Wilfred Lloyd was struck off the strength of the RCMP in January 1952.
Wilfred G. Lloyd led a remarkable life of devotion and dedication to Canada. In peacetime, he was a true police officer, and in time of war he was a remarkable soldier and an outstanding and inspirational leader. He stood out among leaders, and it was said that he made his men a priority. After WWII, and after his career in the RCMP came to a close he returned to Wales. Wlfred Lloyd died in Alberfan, Wales on May 4th, 1990. He was 83 years of age. His final resting place in Wales has not yet been found.
Appreciation
I am very appreciative to my friend Vancouver RCMP Veteran Ric Hall for the photos which were used in this piece as well as his contribution of material about the life and career of Wilfred G. Lloyd OBE.
Field Marshall Bernard Law 'Monty' Montgomery
The RCMP Constable on the left is thought to be Wilfred G. Lloyd
The Quarterly. V12 (2). 1946
A Short History of the Canadian Military Police
https://www.cmpa-apmc.org/mp-history.html
Provost Marshalls
https://www.rcmpolice.ca/ProvostMarshall.html
Reporting from Fort Healy,
J. J. Healy
March 14, 2023
