Sir Benjamin Bathurst: Royal Navy flags lowered following death of Admiral of the Fleet

Flags on Royal Navy warships and at service establishments are being flown half-mast in honour of the Admiral of the Fleet and former First Sea Lord, Sir Benjamin Bathurst.

Sir Benjamin died peacefully in Gibraltar while visiting his son, His Excellency the Governor of Gibraltar, Lieutenant General Sir Ben Bathurst. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lady Bathurst, their three daughters, and their son.

The Convent in Gibraltar confirmed his passing and, as a mark of respect, flags were lowered to half-mast outside the headquarters of His Majesty's Government of Gibraltar. 

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The Gibraltar Parliament also held a one-minute silence at the start of its session in tribute to the distinguished naval leader. 

A naval career spanning four decades

Educated at Eton College and Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, Sir Benjamin joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1953.

In the early stages of his career, he qualified as a Fleet Air Arm pilot and served on board the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle. He also spent time on exchange with the Royal Australian Navy as an instructor.

Rising through the ranks, he went on to command frigates HMS Ariadne and HMS Minerva.

He was promoted to Rear Admiral in October 1983, serving as Flag Officer Second Flotilla.

Other appointments he held included Director Naval Air Warfare at the time of the Falkland campaign, Director General, Naval Manpower and Training, Chief of Fleet Support as Vice Admiral, and Commander-in-Chief Fleet.

On promotion to Admiral in 1989, he was then appointed Vice-Chief of Defence Staff.

The pinnacle of his career came with his appointment as First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, leading the Royal Navy and Royal Marines between 1993 and 1995.

As First Sea Lord, he advised the government on the deployment of naval support, including Sea Harrier jets operating from aircraft carriers during the Bosnian War, highlighting his significant influence on Royal Navy strategy in the late 20th century.

Sir Benjamin was promoted to Admiral of the Fleet on his retirement in July 1995, following an exemplary and distinguished career that spanned more than 40 years. 

Historically, Admiral of the Fleet was a formal, five-star rank. 

Today, it is an honorary appointment, often given to former chiefs of the defence staff or members of the royal family, who hold the rank for life.

During the time of his seagoing appointments, he often operated in the Mediterranean and was frequently in Gibraltar throughout his career.

Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, said: "On learning the sad news of his father's passing, I conveyed the condolences of the Government and people of Gibraltar to His Excellency the Governor.

"My thoughts and those of the whole of Gibraltar will be with His Excellency, Lady Bathurst and their family."

"The flags at No.6 Convent Place will fly at half mast as a mark of respect for the Admiral of the Fleet and as a symbol of our deepest sympathy for His Excellency on the loss of his father."

In a post on X, the current First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, described Sir Benjamin as a "remarkable leader" who served "the Royal Navy and our nation with distinction for over 40 years".