A FORMER Dorset Chief Constable, who was twice decorated in the New Year’s Honours list, has died at the age of 96.

Highly respected Arthur Hambleton passed away at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester on October 10, following a short illness, just a fortnight before his 97th birthday.

Born in Leeds, Mr Hambleton joined West Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary in 1937, serving as a constable until 1942 when he joined the Royal Marines.

He was recognised for his leadership qualities on several occasions, including at Kusten Canal in the liberation of the Netherlands when he and his men were heavily outnumbered. Despite being wounded, he bravely fought on.

Mr Hambleton was praised in Dispatches for his gallantry and “determined leadership.”

After the war he returned to the police force and rose through the ranks before being appointed Assistant Chief Constable in Cardiff; a post he held for seven years.

Mr Hambleton moved to Dorset in 1962 and spent 17 years at the helm of the county’s police force. In 1971 he received an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list and in 1977 he became a Commander of the Order.

The much-loved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he headed up Operation Countryman, an investigation into corruption in the Metropolitan Police, before retiring in February 1980.

His grandson Jason paid tribute to the “head of the family” and a man who was respected in both military and police circles.

Mr Hambleton’s funeral service took place at St Laurence Church in Upwey, Weymouth, on October 25.