AN IMPORTANT BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL GROUP TO STAFF SERGEANT D NORTH 22ND SAS

Dennis North was born in Northeast England. He joined the British Army in the post-war years serving with the Royal Signals. In 1950 he joined the Special Air Service, and over the next twenty years, served with 22 SAS, 264 (SAS Signals) Squadron and after leaving the regular forces, 23 SAS. 

Staff Sergeant North was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 1971 New Years Honours List with the following citation: 

'Ssgt North joined the SAS Regiment in 1950 as one of the founder members of the newly formed Regiment. Since this time until 1967, he has served continuously, except for a two-year break, on active service in Malaya, Oman, Borneo and South Arabia. On these operations, Ssgt North was initially a patrol signaller but, over the years, eventually became the NCO in charge of Sabre Squadron Signal Troop. As the senior signals, NCO North was always the first member of the Royal Signals to arrive in the theatre and was responsible for setting up and implementing the SAS communications network: this very often meant liaison with senior Royal Signals Officers. At the height of the Borneo Campaign, he was responsible for communications with over twenty independent patrols deeply situated in mountainous jungle terrain. His calmness and control, particularly when dealing with critical situations affecting small patrols, sometimes in isolation hundreds of miles away, never wavered, and he was a constant source of inspiration and reassurance to the signallers in the field. There were occasions involving medical evacuation, and post and pre-contact reports with the enemy when North, by sheer technical ability and an outstanding operating capability, kept communications working to the patrol, often to a signaller who was under extreme physical and mental pressure. In 1963 he voluntarily extended his operational tour in Borneo to organise a communication and training centre for Border Scouts. 

In 1967 the signal Troop of 22 SAS regiment was re-designated, an independent Signal Squadron, during this period Ssgt North was responsible for setting up and opening the Squadron account. The size of the task can be measured by the fact that there were over 500 radio sets involved, which is considerably more than most signal regiments. Due to the non-availability of a QM for the Signal Squadron, Ssgt North, until May 1969, acted as, and did the additional work of the QM. This resulted in considerable out-of-hours workload and never once did North fail to respond to and overcome this additional task. The fact that the store's accounts of the signal squadron are at present are in such a good state can be directly traced to the sound base laid by North. 

Ssgt North is the only Royal Signals founder member of the Regiment still serving on a regular engagement. For twenty years, North has given outstanding loyal service to the SAS. His service in the SAS through the ranks, from a patrol signaller to his present appointment, has been an example to all those who have served with him. Ssgt North is best known by Sabre Squadron personnel for his reputation as being the best patrol or base signaller that has served in the SAS during the post-war era. In addition to his outstanding field signal work Ssgt North has shown in the last four years that he has the capability to carry out the administrative job of QM. 

His complete disregard for personal advancement and his selfless dedication and professionalism is far beyond that expected of his rank and appointment'. 

The medal group is sold with Norths' personal photograph album of his time in the SAS and extensive documentation and letters of congratulations on his award of the BEM.