South African Korean War pair question

[Garth Thompson]

Recently acquired this SA Korean War pair. The UN Korea is the standard english language version. Both the medals are edge named in impressed block letters P5269 V M F PREVOST. My question would be what is the meaning the letter P preceeding the man's service number ?

Garth

[Strapper]

Nice pair, if I'm not mistaken the P is for " permenant force" South African for soldiers that are not national servicemen.

[Garth Thompson]

Thanks for the reply. Is there a roster of men who went to Korea with the South African contingent?

Garth

[Brett Hendey]

Garth

The book I have found most useful is:

"Flying Cheetahs" Korea 1950-1953 by Winston Brent. Freeworld Publications. 2001. (African Aviation Series No 8).

It has a roll of the medals awarded and a great deal more, including many photographs.

P5269 Prevost has the initials "W M P" in this book. He was an Air Sergeant (i.e. ground crew), who served in Korea from 26/5/1952 to 21/7/1953. He was also entitled to the Korean Korea Medal. Like many of the men who served late in the war, he was probably not a World War II veteran. His service papers are available for copying in the military archives in Pretoria.

Regards

Brett

[Garth Thompson]

Brett,

Thank you for the reply and taking time to look up Sgt Prevost. BTW the initials are W M P, my eyes are not what they used to be.

Garth