Laslett family history

Graham and Christine Laslett of Edington

Graham Francis Laslett was born on 29 July 1933 at Thornton Heath the only child of Arthur Laslett, a Schoolmaster of Coulsdon, Surrey, and his wife Sybil Laslett née Whiting (page 163).

After state and private primary education, passed as a feepaying pupil to The Grammar School, Reigate in September 1943, where taunted about being a relative of Laslett Value chain of shops! Entered the Royal Navy on 1 May 1951, going to RN College Dartmouth, as an Engineering Cadet. Transferred to the Retired List on 7 January 1988, from command of the RN's largest training establishment, HMS Sultan at Gosport. Other highlights included as a Lieutenant Commander, in charge of design of second generation of reactor core for nuclear submarines, and of trials at sea in the first commission of Western World's first major warship powered by marinised aircraft gas turbines. As a Commander, in charge of mechanical design of Type 22 frigate to committal to build, and of trials from build of the ill-fated HMS Sheffield, first-of-class of the Type 42 guided missile destroyers. First non-submariner and engineer officer to serve as Second-in-Command of HMS Dolphin, alma-mater of the Submarine Service. As a Captain, served as Superintendent, National Gas Turbine Establishment, Haslar and Portland, as Naval Attache, Brasilia, during the Falklands conflict, and as Director of Engineering Support (Naval) at Bath. Life-long yachtsman, was Chairman of the Royal Naval Sailing Association for last 3 years.

Made Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the New Years' Honours List 1988. In May 1988, appointed to the 55-strong Lord Chancellor's Panel of Independent Inspectors, conducting public inquiries.

Married Christine Alice Bush on 8 November 1958.

Family of Graham and Christine Laslett

Son

SIMON ROBERT - born at Woolwich, on 5 April 1963. Educated Canford School, and Kent University, as a bursar entry to the RN. Passed out of BRNC Dartmouth as a Seaman Sub-Lieutenant, on 11 April 1985. Forced to leave the RN after five years because of problems with migraines. BSc MRICS. In 1991 obtained a second degree in surveying from Bristol Polytechnic and is working with Chesterton, at their Plymouth office in charge of the retail property desk for Cornwall.

Daughter

HELEN JUDITH - born at Woolwich, on 5 September 1959. Educated at the Royal School, Bath and Edgehill College. Married Didier Haspeslagh at Edington on 1 September 1984.
Children:
Henrietta Louise Haspeslagh - born 26 April 1987.