James Goldrick obituary

On 17 March, 2023, Rear Admiral James Goldrick died in Canberra after a brave battle with illness.

James Goldrick was a naval commander of outstanding intelligence and influence who rose to become Australia’s most renowned naval historian.

Goldrick’s Royal Australian Navy duty included command of the Darwin-based patrol boat Cessnock, executive officer of the destroyer Perth, and command of the frigate Sydney twice.

Goldrick was a capable and even-tempered commanding officer with a genuine concern for the welfare and promotion of his officers and sailors. His ships were always cheerful ones.

Because of his encyclopaedic knowledge of all things maritime, James may be inadvertently frightening.

One of his officers noted that it was great having Dumbledore as a captain.

Caroline and Peter Goldrick gave birth to James Goldrick in 1958.

Caroline studied history at Sydney University, while Peter was a navy officer who served as a midshipman in WWII and as a Sea Fury pilot in the Korean War.

James and his sisters Frances and Philippa grew up in a lively and intellectually engaging environment.

The frequent moves required by military life were accompanied with a layer of naval discipline.