02/09/2026
Gould VC Division: Honouring a legacy of extraordinary courage.
At HMS Raleigh, divisional names are chosen to reflect the proud heritage of the Royal Navy and the individuals whose service continues to inspire future generations. Gould VC Division takes its name from Thomas William Gould VC, a Royal Navy sailor whose courage under fire earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy.
Born on 28 December 1914, Thomas Gould served with distinction during the Second World War. His actions demonstrated exceptional bravery, selflessness and devotion to duty, qualities that remain central to Royal Navy service today. He was also one of only three Jewish recipients of the Victoria Cross during the Second World War, making his achievements particularly significant within both naval and military history.
The actions that led to Gould receiving the Victoria Cross took place in February 1942 while serving aboard HM Submarine Thrasher in the Mediterranean. Following a successful attack on an enemy supply ship north of Crete, the submarine came under intense enemy assault, enduring hours of depth charging and aerial bombing. When Thrasher surfaced after dark, the crew made a remarkable discovery: two unexploded bombs were lodged within the submarine's casing.
Recognising the grave danger posed to the vessel and everyone on board, Gould and Lieutenant Peter Roberts volunteered to remove the bombs. Working in extremely confined conditions, uncertain of the bomb mechanisms and fully aware that a single mistake could destroy the submarine, the pair painstakingly manoeuvred the explosives to safety. The task required immense courage, composure and teamwork in the face of a very real threat to their own lives. Their actions saved Thrasher and her crew from almost certain destruction.
For the recruits and staff of Gould VC Division, this story embodies the very best of Royal Navy values. Thomas Gould's willingness to place himself in danger for the safety of others serves as a powerful example of courage, commitment and professionalism. His actions demonstrate that leadership is not defined by rank alone, but by the willingness to step forward when others are in need.
As recruits begin their naval careers at HMS Raleigh, they become part of a division named in honour of a sailor whose determination and bravery left a lasting mark on Royal Navy history. The challenges faced during training may be very different from those encountered by Gould during wartime, but the qualities required to succeed remain the same: resilience, teamwork, integrity and dedication to the mission.
Thomas William Gould passed away on 6 December 2001, but his legacy continues to endure through the sailors who train under the banner of Gould VC Division. His remarkable story reminds us that extraordinary acts of courage often arise from ordinary individuals who choose to put duty and service before themselves.
Today, Gould VC Division stands as more than a name on a divisional board. It is a tribute to a Victoria Cross recipient whose actions exemplified the highest standards of naval service and whose legacy continues to inspire every generation of sailors passing through HMS Raleigh.
"The name Gould VC represents courage in its truest form: the willingness to act in the face of danger for the benefit of others. Through his selfless actions aboard HMS Thrasher, Thomas William Gould VC set an example that continues to inspire the sailors of today and tomorrow."
