Derek Reffell

Admiral Sir Derek Roy Reffell, (6 October 1928 – 23 May 2025) was a Royal Navy officer and Governor of Gibraltar.

Naval career Educated at Culford School, Reffell entered the Royal Navy, qualified as a Navigating Officer in 1954 and progressed through the ranks: he commanded the frigate from her launch in 1966, and served as captain of the commando carrier from 1974 to 1976 and as Commodore, Amphibious Warfare, from 1978 to 1979. He was appointed Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff for Policy – ACNS(P) – in 1979. He was promoted to Vice-Admiral, becoming Flag Officer, Third Flotilla (FOF3) in 1982. Commodore Michael Clapp later expressed his surprise at this decision, and, what was more, the fact that Reffell was barred access to the Northwood Headquarters so that his advice was not available.

After Hermes returned to the UK, and Rear Admiral Sandy Woodward had returned home, Invincible remained on station in the South Atlantic until September 1982. Reffell become senior officer in-theatre from 1 July 1982. To relieve Invincible, the newly completed Illustrious was rapidly deployed. So rapidly was Illustrious deployed that she was commissioned while at sea. Reffell commanded the task group from Illustrious during this period (aboard Bristol for a period too, reportedly). Aircraft embarked included 809 Naval Air Squadron (Sea Harrier) and 814 Naval Air Squadron (Sea King) embarked. Additionally, a pair of Sea Kings from 824 Naval Air Squadron were attached to the air group, which had been converted to operate in the airborne early warning role.

After the RAF airfield was repaired, Illustrious returned to the UK for a full shakedown cruise and workup period, and was formally commissioned on 20 March 1983.

Reffell became Controller of the Navy in 1984 and was Governor of Gibraltar from 1989 to 1993.