Noel Atherton

Noel Atherton (1899–1987)[1] was a British cartographer in the Admiralty Hydrographic Office; today known as the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office.

Early life

He was born on 8 May 1899 in Bradford, Yorkshire;[2] the son of John William Atherton[3] and Margaret Robertshaw, of Airedale, Sutton, London.

Education

Atherton attended Whitgift School, an independent school in Croydon, Surrey.

He undertook one term of war service between 1918 and 1919, as a Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers (Signals), returning to school for a degree in Natural Science.

Hydrographic Department of the Admiralty

Following World War I, the First International Hydrographic Conference was held in London. It led to the establishment in 1921 of the International Hydrographic Organization, with most counties founding or formalizing their own Hydrographic Office. In the 1930s, the systematic and regular collection of oceanographic and naval meteorological data had begun.

Atherton entered service in 1924, and took the lead in the British Discovery Expeditions of 1934–1935. By 1937 he was the Assistant Superintendent, Chart Production and Supplies Branch. He later served as the Chief Civil Hydrographic Officer and Assistant Superintendent of Charts, for the Admiralty from 1951 to 1962.[4]

Personal life

Atherton married Daisy Phyllis Leadbetter. He died in 1987 at the age of 88.[5]

Honours

Atherton was awarded an OBE in the Queens Birthday Honours of 1962.[6]

The Atherton Islands in the South Atlantic, off the coast of Antarctica are named after him.

Atherton Peak (54°7′S 36°45′W) was charted by Discovery Investigations, 1929–30, and also named in his honour.[7]

References
  1. Ansell, E. (15 October 2015). Noel Atherton Biography. ISBN 9781107553897.
  2. "Atherton One Name Study Entry for Noel Atherton".
  3. "Atherton One Name Study entry for John William Atherton".
  4. "Australian Antarctic Data Centre".
  5. "Noel Atherton father of Dr John Atherton of Sāmoa".
  6. "Queen's Birthday Honours - The Gazette - 2nd June 1962" (PDF).
  7. Alberts, Fred G. - National Science Foundation (1995). "Geographical Names of Antarctica".
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