Early Life, Education and Sporting Career
Simpson was born in Dawley in Shropshire and educated at Ashdown House and Oundle School, where he was captain of rugby football and athletics and was Public Schools Champion in long jump in 1927 and 1928, when he set a public school record, and also in 440 yards in 1928.
He then went on to Manchester University College of Technology. He represented the university at rugby and athletics and was World's University Champion in the 400 metre hurdles in 1930. He also played cricket and was a good rifle shot (as Commissioner he was a great supporter of sport in the police).
In his early sporting career he won medals and other trophies with the London Athletic Club, Birchfield Harriers and the Keswick Athletic Club; while in Lincoln and later as Chief Constable of Surrey, he was an active member and medal-winner of Lincoln County Rifle Club, The Surrey County Small Bore Rifle Association, Affiliated Rifle Association, and the National Short Range Rifle League (defunct), based at Bisley and elsewhere.
As Chief Commissioner of Metropolitan Police, Simpson was Vice-Patron of the Amateur Athletic Association and Vice-President of the Middlesex RFU.
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