Page 210 - Once a copper 10 03 2020

the planet to vibrate as much as 10 millimetres (0.4 inches), and it remotely
triggered earthquakes as far away as Alaska. Its epicentre was between
Simeulue and mainland Sumatra. The plight of the affected people and
countries prompted a worldwide humanitarian response. The event is known
by the scientific community as the Sumatra–Andaman earthquake.

As a result of his expertise in the field of Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) for
mass fatality incidents, Derek received the call to be part of the policing
team recovering and identifying the remains of the 200,000+ victims. What he
didn’t realise until he arrived at the site, was that he was the most senior
rankling police officer and would be the overall commander of
representatives from 31 nations.

The work was horrific on a daily basis, setting up temporary mobile mortuaries
to house the incoming bodies and parts. Many were been submerged in
rancid water for some time, making the task even more stressful and
challenging.

Incidents of this magnitude on a worldwide basis attract the attention and
philanthropic support of world leaders, politicians, celebrities and royalty. As
the International Police Commander, Derek was frequently called away to
meet dignitaries to explain what the clear up work entailed.

One such day, the British Ambassador contacted Derek requiring his
attendance at the airport to greet and escort an unidentified dignitary. To his
surprise, under a great cloak of secrecy and security Derek found himself
welcoming the emissary of HM Queen Elizabeth, Prince Andrew, Duke of York,
eighth in line to the British throne.

Representing the Queen, Prince Andrew was keen to see everything,
including the horrors of the mortuaries. Derek is proud that Prince Andrew
quickly found that he could drop the usual airs and graces of his position and
on many occasions, left his ‘minders’ behind to cover more ground with
Derek. On witnessing the carnage he spoke in no uncertain terms about his
admiration for the work Derek and his team were undertaking. The Prince
absorbed as much of the detail as possible to accurately appraise the
Queen on his return to the UK.
Derek was to remain in Thailand for sixteen months.

Some time after Price Andrew had returned to the UK, Derek was again
contacted by the English Ambassador. A car would collect him and take him
to the Airport for a flight to the UK. Apparently, he could not be told any
details of his journey. On arrival in the UK, a chauffeured vehicle was waiting
along with motorcycle outriders. Derek by now was naturally confused and
nervous. Page210