The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the Posthumous award of the
Distinguished Service Cross
to the undermentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during
operations in the South Atlantic:
Distinguished Service Cross
Captain Ian Harry NORTH, Merchant Navy.
On 14th April 1982 SS ATLANTIC CONVEYOR was laid up in Liverpool. On the 25th
April she deployed to the South Atlantic converted to operate fixed and rotary
wing aircraft and loaded with stores and equipment for the Falkland's Task
Force. This astonishing feat was largely due to Captain North's innovation,
leadership and inexhaustible energy.
SS ATLANTIC CONVEYOR joined the Carrier Battle Group on 19th May 1982 and was
immediately treated as a warship in most respects. Almost comparable in
manoevrability, flexibility and response Captain North and the ship came through
with flying colours. When the ship was hit on 25th May Captain North was a tower
of strength during the difficult period of damage assessment leading up to the
decision to abandon ship. He left the ship with enormous dignity and calm and
his subsequent death was a blow to all.
A brilliant seaman, brave in war, immensely revered and loved his contribution to
the Campaign was enormous and epitomised the great spirit of the Merchant
Service.
