[Toby Purcell]

Yes, it's a typical Regimental Police Brassard (arm band) as is still used today. These normally comprise a coloured brassard on which is affixed the letters RP either in cloth or metal and a regimental device, often a collar, or cap badge, but it can also be cloth. Sometimes the badge of rank goes on too. These arm bands have been used as far back as in Queen Victoria's reign and the concept of Regimental Policemen pre-dates the formation of a Corps of Military Police. The RP section usually comprises the Provost Sergeant, his deputy the Provost Corporal, and six soldiers who are usually Lance Corporals (often acting). They are under the day-to-day control of the Adjutant, although he sometimes delegates responsibility to the RSM. The RPs invariably all carry a regimental cane of walking length (rather than swagger stick) which is widely recognized as a mark of his standing (badge of office), rather like a truncheon once was. The Provost Sergeant is invariably issued his cane as part of his appointment and it is usually distinctive with a regimental badge inscribed or mounted on top. The other RPs have simpler canes that are often made up locally.