| Surname: | Tennent |
| Initials: | W J |
| Rank: | Staff Sergeant |
| Army Number: | 24091843 |
| Notes: | RMP. Provost Officer. London Gazette 50535, 7422, 3/6/1986. Corps of Royal Military Police. Regular Army. Short Serv. Commn. The undermentioned WO I. to be 2/Lt., 16/4/1986 with seniority 16/10/1981. To be Lt., 16/4/1986, with seniority 16/10/1983: 24091843 William John Tennent (524251). See No. 524251 Lt. W J Tennent for more details. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | British Empire Medal (London Gazette: 48837 Page: 22 Dec. 31, 1981) |
| Citation: | New Year Honours. 24091843 Staff Sergeant William John Tennent. RMP. Warrant Officer in charge, SIB and RMP Belize. 27 August 1980 to 24 June 1981.Citation: Since August 1980, Staff Sergeant (Acting Warrant Officer Class 2) Tennent has been the Special Investigation Branch Warrant Officer and senior Royal Military Policeman in Belize. His responsibilities have included the investigations of all crime, deaths, other than by natural causes - the coordinaiton and tasking of uniformed Royal Military Police and liaison between British forces Belize and the local civil Belize Police. In carrying out his duties he has been faced with unusual difficulties. Belize is an operational theatre in which the British Forces are dispersed over wide areas of inhospitable terrain with very poor communications. The climate is oppressive and working conditions primitive. In particular, the amoral attitudes of the native population and the sensitivities of a suspicious and outocratic local Police Force are major obstacles to effective military police work. Since the Belize RMP detachment is isolated from other units of the Corps there is no one to whom its commander can turn for professional guidance of directions. The burden on a young acting Warrant Officer has, therefore, been considerable. In the face of such odds, SSGT Tennent's achievements are remarkable. Undeterred by such difficulties he has displayed unusual zeal, and professional skill to complete a series of complex investigations, His results, by working long hours without complaint, in the form of clear, accurate reports have proved invaluable and have made a significant contribution to the effective policing of the Forces in Belize. Of particular value to the Force has been his ability to identify potential problems at an early stage. His perspicacity, tact and advice in this respect has prevent may situations from developing into serious difficulty and earned him the respect and gratitude of his superiors in both the Army and Royal Air Force. The calm efficiency together with the good humour and balanced maturity that he has shown in his approach to disciplinary problems are unusual in a man of his rank and experience. That many of his investigations have been carried out in an atmosphere of a venal civil community with its attendant physical risks and temptations is a tribute to this dedication, integrity and moral courage. It is also the more remarkable that he has, in addition overcome the professional jealousies of the local Police Force to establish an effective working relationship which has benefited the British Forces in Belize considerably. As a result the reputation of the Royal Military Police in Belize, both amongst British Forces and outside has never stood higher. This achievement is a direct result of the outstanding performance of a young acting Warrant Officer which is worthy of formal recognition.Recommended by: Maj. DAA & QMG British Forces Belize. Maj. Gen. Admin. HQ UKLF. Gen. C in C UKLF. |
Provost Officer Appointments: | |
| No appointments recorded | |