Description
Physical description
Jacket: navy blue barathea cloth double-breasted, four buttoned, jacket with one breast pocket and two hip pockets. The jacket is lined in black material. On each cuff the gold rank lace of a Merchant Navy Captain (Certified Master). Above the left breast pocket two rows of undress medal ribbons as follows: 1939-1945 Star; Atlantic Star with Rosette; Africa Star (1940-1943); Pacific Star (1941-1945) with Rosette, War Medal 1939-1945.
History note
Captain Ian Harry North, Merchant Navy was captain of the Cunard ship SS Atlantic Conveyor when, on 25 May 1982, she was hit by an Argentine Exocet Missile. The last to leave his ship, North perished before he could be rescued. Eleven other members of the crew also died. For his leadership and gallantry North was awarded a posthumous Distinguished Service Cross (DSC). The announcement of the award appeared in the Supplement to the London Gazette of 8 October 1982 and reads as follows: 'On 14th April 1982 SS ATLANTIC CONVEYOR was laid up in Liverpool. On 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 manoeuvrability, flexibility and response Captain North and his 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 last 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'