Henry Leach


 | Died : 26 / 4 / 2011 |
| Admiral of the Fleet Sir Henry Leach GCB DL (deceased)
Serving throughout World War II, Henry Leach was a young Lieutenant in the forward 14” turret of HMS Duke of York during the sinking of the German Battleship Scharnhorst. From 1953-55 he was Gunnery Officer of HMS Newcastle, and is a Patron of the Newcastle Association. He commanded the destroyer Dunkirk, was Frigate Squadron Leader in Galatea, the carrier Albion, and became first Sea Lord, and Chief of Naval staff in 1979. Admiral of the Fleet Sir Henry Leach, who died on April 26th 2011 aged 87, was First Sea Lord during the Falklands war and is credited with persuading Margaret Thatcher that the islands could be regained by military means. |