| Surname: | Blair |
| Initials: | N M |
| Rank: | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Army Number: | 52831 |
| Notes: | Provost Officer. Middlesex Regiment. 5/11/40 OC 47 Div Pro Coy. 31/3/43 APM 179 Coy Ports, Algiers. DPM No 2 District Italy 44. PM CMF 46 - 47. |
Decoration Record: |
| Decoration: | Order of the British Empire (London Gazette: 37386 Page: 6056 Dec. 13, 1945) |
| Citation: | North Africa, Italy. Citation for OBE: Lieut-Colonel BLAIR has been D.P.M. of North Africa District and No.2 District since July 1943. His work during this period has been of an exceptionally high order. Both in North Africa and in Italy he initiated and controlled with great success an organisation to defeat the extensive Black Market traffic which at the time was a considerable drain on W.D. resouces. In both countries also he organised periodical drives against deserters, and due to his efforts many thousands were apprehended, and others deterred. The sympathetic though firm attitude of the police under his command and guidance in the maintenance of discipline, and their smart appearance both on and off duty has earned the high respect of the rank and file for the Provost Service in the areas controlled by him. Lieut-Colonel BLAIR has, by his loyal service and hard work, contributed materially, if indirectly, to the war effort, and I consider his services are deserving of the award of the O.B.E.Maj-Gen E.P. Nares Commander no.2 District CMF. National Archive WO 373/74. |
| Decoration: | Mention in Despatches (London Gazette: 37184 Page: 3732 July 19, 1945) |
| Citation: | Italy. |
| Decoration: | US Bronze Star (London Gazette: 37961 Page: 2288 May 23, 1947) |
| Citation: | Italy. Citation for the award of the US Bronze Star: NEVILLE M. BLAIR, 52831, Lieutenant Colonel, Middlesex Regiment, British Royal Army, Deputy Provost Marshal, Headquarters Second District, Central Mediterranean Forces, for meritorious achivement in connection with military operations in Italy from 10 March 1944 to 10 January 1946. As Deputy Provost Marshal at Bari and Foggia, Italy, Lieutenant Colonel Blair rendered invaluable service to the Fifteenth Air Force and the Adriatic Base Depot in cooperating with the American Provost Marshal Section in accomplishing the gigantic task of successfully directing traffic and furnishing security for troops and supplies sorely needed for the American Forces in that area. He accomplished outstanding results in supervising traffic and police problems in Northern Italy. The smoothness and effectiveness with which the combined British and American Provost Marshal Sections functioned reflect the efforts and willingness to cooperate on the part of Lieutenant Colonel Blair. Entered service from London, England.National Archive 373/148. |
Provost Officer Appointments: |
| No appointments recorded |
