Admiral Sir Dudley Burton Napier North, GCVO, CB, CSI, CMG (25 November 1881 – 15 May 1961) was a Royal Navy officer who served during First and Second World Wars.

[4] He became Director of Naval Operations in January 1930 and Flag Officer Commanding, Royal Yachts in December 1934.

[5][7][8] After the sinking of the French fleet at Mers-el-Kébir on 3 July 1940, North wrote a letter criticizing the operation to the Admiralty.

[9][10] Two months later, on 11 September 1940, North did not challenge a Vichy French squadron of three cruisers and three destroyers transited through the Strait of Gibraltar from Toulon to Dakar.

[9] As a consequence of his actions, the Admiralty decided to relieve North of his command in October, though the changeover did not take place until December 1940.