Lieutenant Colonel Michael Bolwell R.A. Rtd.
OP 1953
28 July 1935 – 2 January 2025

With our thanks to Mike's daughter Kate

Michael (Mike) Bolwell was born on 28th July 1935 to Lieutenant Commander Fred and Beryl Bolwell in Old Portsmouth, Hampshire. At the outbreak of war, they were stationed in Malta and Mike and his mother had to make their own way home via boats and trains through Italy.

Michael was sent to The Portsmouth Grammar School in 1949 and ended up in ‘Service Sixth’ on the basis that he would follow his father into the Navy. However, he decided he did not want to be at sea for months and joined the Army instead. In 1953 he was awarded the Service Sixth Prize.

He joined RMA Sandhurst straight from school, with his lifelong best friend OB Colonel Alan Payne R.A. Rtd. (OP 1953). From here he was commissioned into The Royal Artillery. Mike’s postings included The Outer Hebrides, 12 years in Germany, Oklahoma, Salisbury Plain and London. In 1975 in Oklahoma he attended the US Army Field Artillery School and was awarded a letter of commendation for coming top on the course. His speciality become surface to surface gunnery. As a Major he was Battery Commander of 56 Olpherts Battery and headquarters battery of the 89th Medium Regiment. He then joined 50th Missile Regiment. Mike was involved in the early days of missile innovation with Honest John, Lance, Copper Head and others. He also attended Staff College. On returning to the UK after 12 years in Germany, Mike became a Gunnery Instructor at the Royal School of Artillery, Larkhill. This was followed by postings in London, which included Whitehall, liaising between the Army and the politicians. Another role was as the Anglo-French liaison on a big defence contract and latterly conducting risk assessments for military contracts.

Sailing was a passionate hobby since childhood, and Mike sailed for The Army Racing Sailing Team, racing in the Fastnet and Admirals Cups.

Wherever he was stationed he was treasurer of the Officers Mess and on retirement volunteered for Age Concern in a financial capacity assisting with benefit claims and personal finances. On occasions he would go to court to plead a case.

Michael was married to Anne Jeffries, from Southsea, for over 49 years. They met at the Cathedral one Sunday evening when Michael was home on leave. It was love at first sight and they married in Old Portsmouth at the Garrison Church.

Sadly, Michael died suddenly on the 2nd January 2025 after a fall late on Christmas Day which fractured his hip. It transpired he had Interstitial Lung Disease. This rapidly developed into Pneumonia. 

He was a wonderful father to Kate and Mark, and a fantastic Grandpop to Ollie, Luke, Clara and Eva.

His ashes will be scattered in Old Portsmouth Harbour. He always wanted to return.