The formation of this Corps is comparatively a recent one, for until the year 1880 police duties in times of peace were discharged regimentally, and in times of war by more or less haphazard detachments under selected officers known as Provost Marshals. The formation of the Military Mounted and Foot Police, however, placed this important work on more solid and organised foundations, and in war and peace the members of the Corps discharge, in a most efficient manner, a large variety of important duties few are aware of. The policing of camps, lines of communication, supply bases and other important centres is only part of their work, which include the custody of prisoners of war, the safeguarding of general officers, and the execution of spies and other condemned prisoners.

Nickname: "The Red Caps."