Below follows British Forces Gibraltar's statement regarding the passing of Admiral of the Fleet Sir Benjamin Bathurst, GCB:

Today we pay our sincere condolences to the family of His Excellency the Governor,  Lieutenant General Sir Ben Bathurst, KCVO CBE, on the passing of his father, Admiral of  the Fleet Sir Benjamin Bathurst, GCB. 

Admiral of the Fleet Sir Benjamin Bathurst joined the Royal Navy aged 16 in 1953 at  Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth. During his early career he qualified as a Fleet Air  Arm pilot, serving on board the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle as well as on exchange with the  Royal Australian Navy as an instructor, and in Northern Ireland. 

He commanded the frigates HMS Ariadne and later HMS Minerva, served as Captain of the  5th Frigate Squadron and was later appointed Flag Officer, Second Flotilla. Throughout his  sea going appointments, he often operated in the Mediterranean and was frequently in  Gibraltar throughout his career. 

Other appointments 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 as Commander-in-Chief Fleet. On promotion to Admiral, he was then  appointed Vice-Chief of Defence Staff. 

The pinnacle of his career was as First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, leading the Royal  Navy and Royal Marines. Sir Ben was promoted Admiral of the Fleet on 10 July 1995 upon  his retirement, following an exemplary and distinguished career. 

He leaves his wife of 66 years, Lady Bathurst, three daughters and his son.