Obituary - Cliff Bucke

Cliff was born 29th January 1932 and grew up in Gosport, Hampshire. Educated at Churches College Petersfield he moved at the age of 14 with his family to Fife finishing his education at Dunfermline High School. In 1952 Cliff completed 2 years national service with the Royal Military Police and in October that year joined the Admiralty Constabulary as a constable at HM Dockyard Rosyth.

During this time he met his future wife to be, Margaret and they both enjoyed taking part in Church Youth activities as well as becoming Sunday school teachers. Cliff and Margaret were married in 1954 at Rosyth Parish Church.

After a spell with CID Cliff earned promotion to Sergeant and transferred to RNAD Beith in August 1956 where he served for 4 years until moving to RNTR Arrochar taking up the post of Senior Police Officer. In August 1964 Cliff returned to Rosyth for a short time as Shift Sergeant before being promoted Sub-Inspector/SPO at the Royal Elizabeth Yard, Kirkliston.

In 1966 Cliff was promoted Inspector, which meant another transfer this time to the Clyde Submarine Base Faslane where he remained for 3 years. Promotion to Chief Inspector came in May 1969 with yet another move this time to Northern Area Headquarters, Rosyth as staff officer to the ACC(N).

While serving in the Inspector/Chief Inspector ranks Cliff attended various courses at Tulliallan and Hendon Police Colleges.

In July 1974 Cliff was promoted Superintendent and took up his appointment as SPO at HM Naval Base Chatham, a post that included additional responsibilities for MDP units in the Kent area. During his time at Chatham Cliff completed 22 years police service and was awarded the Police Long Service & Good Conduct Medal.

In May 1977 Cliff transferred to Police HQ at Empress State Building, London on promotion to Chief Superintendent then in January 1981 earned promotion to the rank of Assistant Chief Constable taking on the role of ACC(Operations). Cliff continued in this position until January 1984 when he transferred back to Scotland taking up the job of ACC(N).

In October 1987 Cliff completed 35 years service however another move was on the cards with a transfer back to London HQ this time as ACC (Support) before retiring from the force on 29th January 1992.

In a career that spanned 40 years Cliff's promotion to ACC was a personal achievement that was well deserved. As he progressed through the ranks he played a central role in the professional development of the force at a time when major reforms were taking place including amalgamation of the three departmental constabularies into the MDP.

On his retirement Cliff and Margaret continued to live in the town of Potton in Bedfordshire where they had settled into the local community. They took up Bowls and became active in the Potton Bowls Club with Cliff taking on the role of Secretary. Probus was another club that brought a great deal of pleasure with Cliff arranging many outings for the local members.

The MDP Retired Officers Association was another pursuit that Cliff thoroughly enjoyed. He was elected Secretary at the AGM in 1992 a position held until 2007 when owing to ill health he decided to step down at the annual general meeting. Through his experience and contacts with Probus he enjoyed arranging hotel accommodation for the annual reunion. This gave him a great deal of pleasure and during his time as Secretary he never missed an opportunity to promote the ROA but perhaps more importantly Cliff was always willing to assist members or give advice when asked. On standing down as Secretary in 2007 Cliff expressed a wish to continue on the Committee and was elected Vice Chairman. He also continued as Organiser for the Annual Reunion/AGM.

Family life for Cliff was very important and always came first especially given the many house moves endured during his long and varied police career. He was the father of five children and had nine grandchildren. More recently Cliff and Margaret celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.

Cliff was taken ill while at home on Sunday 8th March and admitted to hospital. Sadly his condition deteriorated and he died from an Aneurysm on Tuesday 10th March.

Cliff's funeral was held on Monday 23rd March at St Mary's Church in the village of Potton, near Sandy, Bedfordshire and was well attended by members of the ROA, MDP, family and friends.

Cliff will be fondly remembered as he was often described - an officer and a gentleman.