MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Memorial service for Admiral of the Fleet who was decisive for the Falkland’s recovery

Admiral of the Fleet, Sir Henry Leach, 45 years in the Navy

Representatives from the United Kingdom top echelon of the armed forces and Falklands’ representative in London were among 800 people who attended a memorial service in Hampshire for Admiral of the Fleet Sir Henry Leach

Sir Henry is credited with having persuaded PM Margaret Thatcher to send a Task Force to recover the Falkland Islands invaded and occupied by Argentina in 1982.

The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope led the tributes to Sir Henry at Winchester Cathedral, describing him as a “truly inspirational leader” and an “utterly selfless and moral man”.

Sir Henry joined the Royal Navy as a cadet at the age of 13 in 1937 and left at the rank of Admiral of the Fleet in 1982. He died in April at the age of 87.

Nearly 800 people attended the memorial service including more than 80 admirals, generals and air marshals.

The First Sea Lord was there to represent the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh and five other members of the Royal Family were represented.

All members of the Royal Navy Board were in attendance. Admiral the Lord Boyce represented the Most Honourable Order of the Bath. Sukey Cameron, the Falkland Islands Government Representative in London, was present as was Baroness Thatcher's private secretary, Mark Worthington. The Lord Lieutenant Dame Mary Fagan represented the county of Hampshire.

Admiral Stanhope said: “Sir Henry was a truly inspirational leader whose wartime experience, decisiveness and coolness under pressure played a pivotal role in ensuring the recovery of the Falkland Islands from Argentine invasion in 1982.

”An utterly selfless and highly moral man, Sir Henry has left an enduring mark on the Royal Navy as well as the many charities he became involved with after leaving active service.

“I am privileged to have known him and honoured to have represented Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh at the memorial service.”