2019 Recipient – Dr. Barry Gough
Dr Barry Gough, FRHS (left) presented the 2019 Admirals’ Medal by Admiral (retired) John Anderson, RCN on 26 May 2022 in Victoria, BC (Note that the Covid Pandemic has restricted the award of this medal in a public venue since 2020, hence the delay in presenting it to Dr. Gough at an earlier event)
HISTORIAN BARRY GOUGH, FRHS, AWARDED “THE ADMIRALS’ MEDAL”
VICTORIA, BC – Thursday, May 26th, at the Vancouver Island Branch of the Naval Association of Canada luncheon at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Dr. Barry Gough, former Victoria High School teacher, historian, author and distinguished alumni of the University of Victoria will be presented “The Admirals’ Medal” for his contribution to maritime studies.
Established in 1985, in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of the Naval Service of Canada, the Admirals’ Medal is bestowed upon individual Canadians in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the advancement of maritime affairs in Canada. Named for Rear-Admirals George Stephens and Victor Brodeur and Vice-Admiral Rollo Mainguy, the silver medal is awarded annually for outstanding achievement in the areas of maritime-related science, technology and academic studies or for the application of practical maritime skills warranting special recognition. Barry Gough is the 35th recipient.
Former Chief of the Defence Staff and Commander of the RCN, retired admiral John Anderson will make the presentation along with Jan Dent of the Admirals’ Medal Foundation, with the citation:
“Dr Barry M. Gough is Professor Emeritus of History at Wilfrid Laurier University and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, with additional affiliations including Past President of the Canadian Nautical Research Society and of the British Columbia Historical Federation, founding member of the Association for Canadian Studies in the United States, and Archives By-Fellow Churchill College Cambridge UK. He is recognized for his lifetime achievement as a global maritime and naval historian, beginning with a pioneering study of The Royal Navy and the Northwest Coast of North America, 1810-1914 (1971), through some thirty major volumes and numerous articles, culminating with the magisterial Pax Britannica: Ruling the Waves and Keeping the Peace Before Armageddon (2014) and Churchill and Fisher: Titans at the Admiralty (2017), a body of work which has earned him international acclaim as a Canadian scholar of the highest order.”
Admiral (Ret’d) John Anderson, representing the NAC and as presenter for this award, provided the following background and commentary while introducing Dr Gough.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my pleasure today to speak on behalf of members of the Naval Association of Canada from across our great land as I make the presentation of the Admirals’ Medal to the 2019 recipient, Dr Barry Gough.
As with many activities in the 2019-2021 timeframe this presentation is somewhat astern of station. However, we are now in the process of regaining proper station.
The Admirals’ Medal
In accordance with the intentions of the three Founders and Settlors of this medal – Vice Admirals Daniel Mainguy, Robert Stephens and Nigel Brodeur, this medal commemorates the service of their three admiral fathers. Since its inception in 1985 the Admirals’ Medal has been presented annually to specially selected Canadians who have made outstanding contributions to our country’s maritime achievements in the realms of Maritime International Law, Marine Science and Engineering, Marine Historical Research and Literature, or in other outstanding naval or maritime achievements.
Since its inception the management of this award has rested with the National Defence Headquarters naval staff or the office of the Canadian Navy Heritage Officer. Recently the Naval Association of Canada agreed to assume responsibility for management of this award. You will be pleased to know that Dr Richard Gimblett, now retired from National Defence, is the Executive Secretary of the Admirals’ Medal Foundation. Extensive information can be found on the NAC national website about the Admirals’ Medal.
You are likely award that Dan Mainguy and Bob Stephens are no longer with us. Nigel Brodeur is one of our Brach members. He and his wife, Anne, have been dealing with some challenging health issues which prevented Nigel from joining us today. Nigel asked me to pay special tribute to those of our Branch and the National office who facilitated this presentation today.
I would also like to acknowledge the presence of two previous recipients of this award:
In 2002 – Commander Peter Chance, and
In 2014 – Vice Admiral Chuck Thomas who that year was a co-recipient with Rear Admiral Ed Healey
Dr Barry, could I ask you to join me now.
I would like to read the citation that accompanies this award.
Citation:
2019 – Professor Barry M. Gough, FRHS – Dr Barry M. Gough is Professor Emeritus of History at Wilfrid Laurier University and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, with additional affiliations including Past President of the Canadian Nautical Research Society and of the British Columbia Historical Federation, founding member of the Association for Canadian Studies in the United States, and Archives By-Fellow Churchill College Cambridge UK. He is recognized for his lifetime achievement as a global maritime and naval historian, beginning with a pioneering study of The Royal Navy and the Northwest Coast of North America, 1810-1914 (1971), through some thirty major volumes and numerous articles, culminating with the magisterial Pax Britannica: Ruling the Waves and Keeping the Peace Before Armageddon (2014) and Churchill and Fisher: Titans at the Admiralty (2017), a body of work which has earned him international acclaim as a Canadian scholar of the highest order.
On behalf those assembled with us here and the National Office of the Admirals’ Medal Foundation, please accept this award with our most sincere gratitude for your scholarly contributions to many areas of our maritime history.”