Norman Aspin

Norman Aspin CMG (11 November 1922 – 25 July 2011) was a British diplomat who served as British High Commissioner to Malta from 1976 to 1979 and oversaw the transition of Rhodesia into the modern day state of Zimbabwe.^[1][2]

Early life[]

Born in Lancashire, he was educated at Darwen Grammar School, and initially read Theology at Durham University in 1940 although his studies were put in abeyance owing to service as a lieutenant in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. Upon Aspin's return to Durham, he switched to reading Geography and graduated in 1947.^[3] From there he spent one year working as a Demonstrator in the Geography Department.^[3]

Career[]

Aspin began his career at the Commonwealth Relations Office in 1948. His first overseas posting was to India, where he served until 1951.^[3] After returning to a more senior role in the Commonwealth Relations Office for a further two years, he was posted to the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland from 1954 to 1957. This was followed by two years based at HM Treasury.^[3]

Aspin became the deputy to the High Commissioner to Sierra Leone in 1961 and later became the deputy to the Ambassador to Israel^[3] during which time he was awarded the CMG for his role in the six-day war. After a sabbatical at the Imperial Defence College Aspin was appointed High Commissioner to Malta, a post he held until 1979.^[1]

After retiring from the Foreign Office Aspin was active in the East Africa Association and spent his remaining years in Dacre, a small village in Cumbria.^[3]

References[]

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