Vice Admiral Sir Donald Gosling

The National Museum of the Royal Navy, in recognition of the Gosling Foundation's support for the FAAM Carrier Experience, would like to extend special thanks to Sir Donald Gosling, his family and the Gosling Foundation, for their generosity and continued support.

Donald Gosling joined the Royal Navy in 1943 at the age of 14.

His love of the sea and passion for the Royal Navy saw Sir Donald knighted in 1976, and appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victoria Order (KCVO) in 2004. His dedication to the Navy was recognised with a series of Honorary ranks in the Royal Naval Reserve, from Captain through to Vice Admiral. In 2012, Her Majesty the Queen appointed him Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom, a ceremonial honour that is the Sovereign’s personal gift.

Sir Donald Gosling established the Gosling Foundation in 1985, supporting a wide range of charities, including the Fleet Air Arm Museum. In his role as Trustee he provided immeasurable support and guidance, founding the Original Carrier Experience that was opened in 1994 by Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven. He also helped to secure significant collections, including works belonging to Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown, an important pilot of the post-war period, and safeguarding these for future generations. His unstinting support over many years has been invaluable to the Fleet Air Arm Museum and its mission of preserving the proud history of British naval aviation.

The reinvigorated Aircraft Carrier Experience you will see during your visit was made possible through Vice Admiral Sir Donald Gosling KCVO, Admiral of The United Kingdom’s generous legacy gift, once again, enabling the illustrious tale of Britain’s aircraft carriers to be told, and enjoyed, for many more generations to come.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy would like to extend special thanks to Sir Donald Gosling, his family and the Gosling Foundation, for their generosity and continued support.