Noel Atherton  Noel Atherton (1899–1987)  was a British cartographer in the Admiralty Hydrographic Office; today known as the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office. Born 8 May 1899 in Bradford, Yorkshire; the son of John William Atherton, of Airedale, Croft Road, Sutton, Surrey. Upon completion of war service (1918-1919), as a Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers (Signals), Atherton attended Whitgift School, Croydon. 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 began. 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 from 1951 to 1962. Atherton was awarded an OBE in the Queens Birthday Honours of 1962. 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.