It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Bob Burrell on 2nd June 2020 at Harare, Zimbabwe, aged 87. Robert Edmund Burrell was born on 3 April 1933 at Sevenoaks, Kent. He was the son of Bruce and Anne (nee Roberts) Burrell and had one sibling, Janet.

Bob Burrell attested in the British South Africa Police on 22 October 1951 (force number 4795). He joined the plain clothes branch early in his career and served mostly in Salisbury, Mashonaland, but was also stationed in then Umtali, Marandellas, Fort Victoria and Bulawayo during the course of his career. Bob received his first promotion in May 1956 to Detective Sergeant and to Detective Inspector, while stationed at CID Headquarters, in December 1960. D/Inspector Burrell proved himself to be a leading fraud detective and received recognition for his good work in 1965 while working on a massive art dealing currency fraud.

Robert Burrell was commissioned in November 1966 and was to become a greatly respected senior officer among his colleagues. He headed the Salisbury Fraud Squad, actively involved in substantial frauds and foreign exchange crime which had been prevalent at the time. He was admitted to the senior ranks of the force with his appointment as Assistant Commissioner 1 November 1974. Shortly thereafter he assumed command of the CID Salisbury and Mashonaland with the designation Provincial Criminal Investigation Officer.

During his service with the British South Africa Police Bob Burrell was awarded the Police Long Service Medal (PLSM) on 15 January 1971; the Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PMM) on 11 November 1974; and appointed an Officer of the Legion of Merit (OLM) in November 1978. Post 1980, he continued to serve in the successor force, the Zimbabwe Republic Police. He was promoted to Senior Assistant Commissioner and appointed Officer Commanding the Criminal Investigation Department where he remained until his retirement from the force on 3 January 1982.

During his service, Bob had been an outstanding sportsman, with his first love for rugby and later squash. In fact, Outpost Magazine, Journal of the British South Africa Police, rarely mentions Bob Burrell other than in connection with his sports! He broke his leg during one rugby encounter. Bob was a consummate squash player, challenging individuals of all ranks that loved the sport. At one time, as a senior officer, he was beaten by a subordinate junior Detective, raising the rumour that the said victor would suffer a sudden posting to a very remote CID station yet to be opened at Sun Yet Sen police post! That was not to be, Bob was an incredibly good sport and a reflection of the man he was. He was chairman of Police Club Squash Section and indeed a reigning Police Champion at squash for several years.

After leaving the force, Bob moved into commerce and managed a large Salisbury furniture retailer, before venturing into his own business in poultry distribution at which he enjoyed great successes. He stayed in touch with his former colleagues thought the Regimental Association as a life member of the Mashonaland Branch.

Bob Burrell married Miss Barbara Ruby Goldberg, daughter of Myer ‘Mick’ and ‘Bella’ Goldberg, Sinoia hoteliers, at the Presbyterian Church Salisbury on 6 October 1956 and they were blessed with their first son, Bruce born in November 1957. Bruce was commissioned in the Rhodesian Army and joined C Squadron, the Rhodesia SAS Regiment. He was killed in action, aged just 19, while on operations in Mozambique, an absolutely devastating blow to the family. There were three daughters by the union, Pam, Isobel and Brenda. A second son Robert was born in June 1978. Bob and Barbara enjoyed 9 grandchildren.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to Barbara, her children and their families. We join former colleagues in extending condolences and our deepest sympathies. Robert Burrell, a legend in his life, shall be sadly missed by all.
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