Obituaries

Colonel Jack Aspinell QPM passed away in Chichester on Sunday, 26th July. He was 97 and had moved to a nursing home in Bognor Regis in December. Jack was gazetted to the Royal Regiment of Artillery in 1948 and served as a Provost Officer during the early months of the Korean War with the 29th British Brigade.

Transferring to the Corps of Royal Military Police when its Corps of Officers was formed, Jack served variously with the Nigerian Army, the British Army of the Rhine, in Great Britain and final in Northern Ireland as Commander Royal Military Police (CRMP) at the height of ‘The Troubles.’

In 1978, Jack joined the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) and was appointed Assistant-Chief Constable (ACC) Northern Area at Rosyth. At the time of his appointment, it was recognised that his military background and knowledge of the workings of the Ministry of Defence would be an asset to the MDP. He transferred to Force HQ in London as ACC Operations in June 1980, and in January 1981 was appointed Deputy-Chief Constable.

In June 1985 he was appointed Chief Constable, awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 1987 and retired in February 1990.

Jack played a pivotal role in establishing the MDP Retired Officers Association in 1987, helping ensure the friendships and camaraderie built through police service continued into retirement. His legacy continues to be felt by retired and serving members alike.

He is survived by his three daughters and a daughter-in-law; his son having predeceased him.

Jack’s funeral service will take place on Thursday, 27 August, at 12.30pm at Chichester Crematorium, Westhampnett Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 7UH. Following the service, all are welcome to join the family at The Lamb Inn, 144 Pagham Road, Bognor Regis, PO21 4NJ.