Flags at half mast in honour of former First Sea Lord who died in Gibraltar aged 89

Flags flew at half mast in honour of Former First Sea Lord, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Benjamin Bathurst - the father of the current Governor. He died in Gibraltar this weekend aged 89. 

On Monday Parliament began with tributes from the Chief Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Speaker of the House, with the house holding a one minute silence as a mark of respect. 

Former First Sea Lord, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Benjamin Bathurst was a regular visitor to Gibraltar.

Known within the military as a ‘5 star’, Admiral of the Fleet is the highest rank within the Royal Navy and the only other living person to hold the rank is the King.

Sir Benjamin Bathurst joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1953, and became a pilot in 1960.

He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Commander-in-Chief Fleet in 1989. This role also made him NATO Commander-in-Chief for the Channel and Eastern Atlantic.

As First Sea Lord from 1993, Sir Benjamin played a significant role in shaping late 20th-century Royal Navy strategy.

At Monday's meeting of Parliament, the Chief Minister said he had conveyed his condolences to the Governor on behalf of the people of Gibraltar. 

The session began with a minute of silence. Our condolences to his family.