Mixed Service Organisation facts for kids

The Mixed Service Organisation (MSO) was a group of civilians who worked for the British Army in Germany after World War II. They helped the army with many important jobs like driving, office work, fixing vehicles, and guarding army buildings.

The MSO started right after the war. It employed people from Eastern European countries that were controlled by the Soviet Union. These people were often former prisoners of war, people from concentration camps, or forced labourers. They were left in western Germany when the war ended and chose not to go back to their home countries. Some of these "displaced persons" worked for the MSO for a short time, while others stayed until they retired.

British soldiers sometimes called members of the MSO "Mojos" as a friendly nickname.

What Was the Mixed Service Organisation?

The Mixed Service Organisation (MSO) was a special civilian group that helped the British Army in Germany. It was like a support team made up of people who weren't soldiers but did many essential tasks. This group was formed after World War II to help the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) with its daily operations.

Who Were the "Displaced Persons"?

After World War II, many people were left far from their homes. These were called "displaced persons." They included former soldiers, people who had been forced to work in other countries, or those who had been held in camps. Many of them were from Eastern Europe. When the war ended, they found themselves in Germany and couldn't, or didn't want to, return to their home countries, especially if those countries were now under Soviet control. The MSO gave these people jobs and a way to rebuild their lives.

How the MSO Was Organized

The MSO was set up a bit like the British Army itself. It had British officers and senior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) in charge. Below them, there were local officers and NCOs from the MSO members themselves. This structure helped to manage the different services and many people working within the organisation. While the transport part of the MSO stopped in the late 1980s, the guard and labour services continued into the 1990s. Later, people from other countries like Turkey and Pakistan also joined the MSO.

Different Jobs in the MSO

The MSO was divided into several special groups, each doing different jobs to help the British Army.

Guarding Army Bases

• MSO Armed Guard Service: These members guarded army buildings and areas. They wore navy blue uniforms and carried rifles to protect important sites.
• MSO Dog Handlers: These teams also guarded army installations, working with trained dogs to help keep places safe.

Helping with Manual Work

• MSO Labour Service: This group provided manual labour, meaning they did physical jobs like moving supplies or helping with construction. The Royal Pioneer Corps oversaw their work.

Driving and Transport

• MSO Transport Service: These members drove large vehicles, including 4-ton and 10-ton lorries, coaches, and even huge tank transporters. They helped move equipment, supplies, and people for the army. This service was first managed by the Royal Army Service Corps and later by the Royal Corps of Transport.