A FORMER Hampshire police officer rewarded for bravery and excellence over and over again has died.

Inspector Derrick Turpin, known to family and friends as Dick, has passed away aged 88.

His career on the force spanned more than 30 years, during which time he earned nine Chief Constable’s commendations for bravery and excellence.

One of the most significant investigations he was involved in was the official inquiry into the 1972 IRA bombing at the headquarters of the 16th Parachute Brigade in Aldershot, where seven civilian staff were killed and 19 wounded. It was claimed to be a revenge attack for Bloody Sunday.

Insp Turpin, of Hulse Road, Banister Park, joined the Southampton City Police Force in 1948 after serving in the Royal Engineers in Egypt and Palestine during the Second World War, removing mines and booby traps.

He served on the vice squad for 10 years before being transferred to Eastleigh, where he was promoted to sergeant and became part of Eastleigh Accident Prevention Council, where he helped with children’s bicycle rallies and proficiency tests.

Insp Turpin retired from the force aged 48 and set up his own detective agency before moving to Spain for a short time.

A Yorkshireman from Knottingley he met his wife Pamela while stationed at Bishop’s Waltham during the Second World War and the couple decided to settle in Hampshire.

Insp Turpin is survived by his two sons, David and Michael. His funeral took place at East Chapel at Southampton Crematorium yesterday.