50th Battalion Dorset Reg. & 56th Div. Provost Coy

My friend is looking for help with info. about her grandad's WW2 service.

He signed up in 1940 Dorchester assigned to 50th Battalion Dorset Reg.
In 1941 transferred to Corps of Military Police - his unit seems to be registered 56 Division Provost Coy. Badge - black cat on orange/red background. Believe his unit was also known as the ''Black Cats''.
She knows he went to Iraq, Persia, Egypt and Italy - part of Month's 8th army.
What she is confused about is how he started with the Dorset regiment and ended up with a London battalion - confusing if you are not military minded!

Can anyone please offer an explanation or advice.
Many thanks.
Sue

 

56 Inf Div were at Salerno in Sep 43, on the Garigliano in Jan-Feb 44 and were then moved up to Anzio to reinforce the beachhead in Mar 44.

A very busy and interesting formation.

FdeP

 

By the point that point of the war, when he transferred, the 56th (London) Division was not a complete London formation. Particularly since he transferred from infantry to provost, which was a more blended Corps, this was not unusual.