L-to-R: Harry Gould, Dr Paul Crag (Secretary of British Sub-Aqua Jubilee Trust/BSAJT), The late Prince Philip, Eugene Farrell (then BSAC Chair), and Gavin Anthony (Chair of BSAJT)
As one of the founding figures of BSAC (the British Sub-Aqua Club) in 1953, Harry Gould has played a remarkable role in shaping the organisation from its earliest days through to the modern era.
To help celebrate Harry's 100th birthday, fellow BSAC pioneer Nic Flemming shared his reflections on Harry’s contribution to the club, the sport of diving, and the generations of members who have benefited from his dedication.
A driving force in BSAC’s early years
When Nic joined BSAC’s London Branch in February 1957, Harry Gould was already one of the key figures at the heart of its activities. He played an active role in the weekly pool training sessions and, as one of the relatively few members who owned a car, was an invaluable contributor to the branch’s weekend diving expeditions.
Many of those early adventures took place at Portland Bill, where divers stayed in the Salvation Army hostel and filled their cylinders from a large bank of British Oxygen storage cylinders. They explored the remains of the submerged Mulberry Harbour and the Middle Breakwater with the help of a local boatman, while summer months brought more ambitious dives beyond the breakwaters to depths of 40–50 metres. Night dives, illuminated by spectacular displays of marine phosphorescence, were a particular highlight.
Supporting the growth of university diving
In 1957, as Nic prepared to begin his studies at Cambridge, he and Harry discussed the possibility of creating the first BSAC Special Branch within a university.
At the time, Harry was serving as BSAC Honorary Treasurer and helped make the idea a reality. Working with Colin McLeod at Lilywhites, he arranged the loan of diving cylinders so that the new branch had sufficient equipment to introduce students to scuba diving from its very first pool sessions.
The Cambridge Special Branch (Branch 52) was formally established in October 1957 and would go on to organise important research diving expeditions and train many marine scientists in underwater techniques. Harry’s enthusiasm for university diving helped inspire the wider growth of BSAC Special Branches, with clubs soon appearing at Oxford, Bristol and other universities.
Harry’s own experience of organising overseas diving trips with Club Méditerranée also influenced his fellow divers. His recommendation led Nic to spend a two-week diving holiday at Club Med Paleokastritsa on the west coast of Corfu in 1957, where he completed his first cave dives – experiences that sparked a scientific interest that would remain central to his research for many decades.
Leadership and a lasting legacy
Harry’s service to BSAC continued at the highest levels. He served as Chairman of BSAC from 1964 to 1968 and was a strong supporter of bringing branch leaders together through annual meetings of Branch Chairmen, helping clubs strengthen their administration, financial management and independence.
His commitment to the future of diving also extended to the British Sub-Aqua Jubilee Trust (BSAJT), of which he was a Founder Trustee. Established during BSAC’s AGM in Harrogate in 1977, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee year, and registered as a charity in 1978, the BSAJT would become an enduring source of support for underwater exploration, research and education.
During the Trust’s formative years, meetings were frequently held at Harry’s London home. Although detailed records of his involvement are limited, those who worked alongside him recognise the significant part he played in establishing the Trust’s strong financial foundations, which have contributed to its continued success today.
A lifetime of dedication
Harry remained an active and enthusiastic supporter of both BSAC and BSAJT well into his 80s. The Trust marked his 90th birthday with a celebratory dinner in London, recognising decades of commitment to the organisations and the diving community.
Beyond his official roles and achievements – which included his distinguished career as a Chartered Accountant, Justice of the Peace and OBE recipient – Harry was remembered equally for his friendship, generosity and sense of adventure.
A Cambridge escape to remember
One story from Nic Flemming perfectly captures Harry’s character and the camaraderie of BSAC’s early years.
In November 1957, Harry was among the guests invited to Flemming’s 21st birthday celebration at Pembroke College, Cambridge. The gathering brought together divers from the London Branch, members of the newly formed Cambridge Special Branch and university friends.
At the time, Cambridge students were expected to be back inside college by 10pm, and those venturing out after dark were required to wear their academic gowns. The rules were enforced by the infamous university “Bulldogs”, whose job was to patrol the streets and catch offenders.
While most guests departed before the deadline, a select group of close friends – Harry included – remained behind enjoying fine wine and conversation long into the night. Eventually, the remaining partygoers needed to make their escape without being spotted by either the college porter or the Bulldogs.
The solution was an adventurous exit through the college gardens and over a high wall leading onto Tennis Court Road. With much scrambling, lifting and pushing, the late-night guests successfully clambered over the wall and disappeared into the darkness – among them Harry Gould, the respected City Chartered Accountant and one of BSAC’s most distinguished figures.
A century worth celebrating
From the pioneering days of British recreational diving to the development of BSAC as a world-respected diving organisation, Harry Gould has been there throughout the journey.
His contribution spans more than seven decades of service, leadership, friendship and enthusiasm for the underwater world. BSAC and the BSAJT owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude, and his 100th birthday is a milestone that deserves celebration across the entire diving community.
Happy 100th birthday, Harry, and thank you for everything you have given to BSAC and to diving.
