TOPIC:

Can anyone tell me the meaning of the abbreviation FPI please?

Possibly it is related to Field Punishment?

Here is the context:

‘Gala’ recalled an incident that took place while the Battalion was at Komatipoort. One or two of the ‘bhoys’ had found their way over the Portuguese frontier to a small place on the frontier called ‘Rosinia Gascia,’ where a detachment of Portuguese soldiers was stationed. Our lads found their way into the barracks and were entertained not wisely but too well, and in consequence got rather boisterous. On being reprimanded by the officer in charge and being ordered to get back over the frontier into Komatipoort, force had to be used to get them to move, and in the course of the struggle one of the ‘bhoys’ in a loud, drunken voice shouted out, ‘We are Royal Scots, you dirty, etc. etc., and we declare war on Portugal.’ Outcome: fifty-six days’ FPI.

Perhaps Field Punishment No 1 : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_punishment .

Arthur,

That makes sense. Many thanks.
David

I'm willing to bet that 56 days of Field Punishment gave them ample time to ponder the error of their ways. Better them than me!

I do like that phrasing, 'entertained not wisely but too well'

The punishment stretched over a long period but according to the link Arthur sent, the culprits were punished for only a few hours each day.