WO2, 24388132 Graham “Jasper” Scarrott.  We are most grateful to Kayleigh for providing us with an excellent account of Graham's service life with the Glosters, The Intelligence Corps and after with the Ministry of Defence.

Graham enlisted into the Army on 18th August 1975,  joining 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment at 16 and half years old.

He served in Northern Ireland during the height of the troubles where he met his wife, Verity. His tour included special duties with 14 Int. Company, after which he transferred to the Intelligence Corps in 1985.

After a tour of the Falklands, Jasper returned to the UK and with Verity, and welcomed two children. Their son Simon, born in 1987 and daughter Kayleigh, born in 1990.

He was among the first Int Corps personnel to deploy to theatre at the start of the 1st Gulf War, just 16 days after the invasion of Kuwait.

He deployed to (what was) Yugoslavia with NATO in the mid-90’s and on return, was posted to Cyprus. 

After 25 years ‘exemplary’ service in uniform, he retired from the Army on 31st March 2000 with ACSM, Gulf, Northern Ireland, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, General Service, and Long Service and Good Conduct Medals. 

Upon leaving the army, his testimonial described him as: “and outstanding imagery analyst, well adjusted with a good sense of humour, reliable, trustworthy and with integrity of the highest order”.

A day after his retirement from the Army, Jasper officially joined the Ministry of Defence as a Civil Servant. He continued his work as an analyst, going on to lead key elements of the UK analytical effort post 9/11. 

Jasper retired in September 2020 after serving a total of 45 years in Defence. After 25 years ‘exemplary’ service in uniform, he retired from the Army on 31st March 2000 with ACSM, Gulf, Northern Ireland, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, General Service, and Long Service and Good Conduct Medals.

Jasper passed away at the age of 63 on 31st July 2022 after a short, but complicated illness. Jasper was surrounded by his family and those that knew him will be heartened to know that he remained cantankerous until the very end.

Jasper’s funeral will take place on Thursday 1st September at Peterborough Crematorium (PE6 7JE) at 1130hrs, followed by a celebration of his life at The Greystones Pub in Sawtry (PE28 5ST) from 1300hrs. All those that wish to honour him will be welcomed.

Family flowers only please. Those wishing to make a contribution are requested to donate in Jasper’s name to the Royal Papworth Hospital, and/or the Intelligence Corps Association.