MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands' veteran head of Royal Navy

Admiral Sir Alan West, whose ship was sunk in the Falklands war, has been appointed to head the Royal Navy from September. Currently commander-in-chief fleet, he will succeed Admiral Sir Nigel Essenhigh, who is retiring.

Adml West, 52, was commander of the frigate HMS Ardent when it was attacked on May 21, 1982 by Argentine aircraft as it supported the amphibious landing of 5,000 British troops near Port San Carlos - a turning point of the war. Twenty-two of Ardent's crew were killed. Adml West was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his part in the action.

Marked out then by naval chiefs as an outstanding officer, Adml West's subsequent posts included naval secretary and chief of defence intelligence. His career survived a severe reprimand after he lost classified papers on a towpath in 1985 while walking a dog. The papers were obtained by a Sunday newspaper.

Vice-admiral Sir Jonathon Band, a former commander of the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious, will succeed Adml West as commander-in-chief fleet.