A Tribute – Edward Owen (Ted) RUFFELL

Edward Owen RUFFELL was born in Havant, Hampshire on the 29th January 1901. Before joining Hampshire Constabulary he was in the Royal Artillery for 6 years (1919-1925) and served mostly in India.

He joined Hampshire Constabulary in 1925. Between 1937 and 1942 he was the village constable at Rownhams near Southampton. He apparently also had a particular skill for dealing with violent people with mental health issues and was called on to escort many to Park Prewett Hospital, Basingstoke. He transferred to the Bournemouth Police when it was formed in 1948 and retired in 1957.

He died as result of road accident at Bournemouth on the 11th December 1973.

“His stern face belies his warm hearted happy-go-lucky personality” says his son, who has kindly collated these photographs, for use on this site.