Arthur Gouge

Sir Arthur Gouge (3 July 1890 – 14 October 1962) was a British engineer and aircraft designer from Kent, who worked notably for Short Brothers where he designed the "C-class" Empire and Sunderland flying boats.

Early life Gouge was born in Northfleet, Kent. His father George (who was born about 1862 in Sittingbourne, Kent) was a Methodist preacher.

He attended Gravesend Technical School (now Gravesend Grammar School) then Woolwich Polytechnic.

Career

As Gouge did not like school he left at the age of 13 and took up a carpentry apprenticeship with a firm of builders. Once working he developed a desire for learning and began studying engineering and mathematics at night school. This was eventually to lead to him obtaining a B.Sc. degree. The Rochester testing tank was commissioned in the last half of 1924, is believed to be the first such tank built exclusively for use in the design of flying boat hulls. Gouge and Oscar Gnosspelius, another member of the test department, designed a travelling carriage which straddled the tank and pushed the hull under test through the water. The test hulls were normally made from solid mahogany, with a highly polished finish. In the early days of the department these were often made by Gouge.

Gouge flap

Goige invented the Gouge flap in 1936 as part of his design for the Empire flying boat.

Despite being dismissed Gouge because of his expertise and standing in the industry was able to obtain in that same year the position of chief executive and vice-chairman of Saunders-Roe. He collaborated with Henry Knowler, the chief designer of Saunders Roe on the design proposal that lead to the Ministry of Supply issuing the company with a contract to build three long range SR.45 flying boats. the aircraft was eventually named the Princess.

In September 1953 he gave a talk to the 1941 Committee, and again in July 1954.

On 18 August 1959 he resigned from Saunders-Roe when it merged with Westland Aircraft.

Honours Gouge was awarded the RAeS British Gold Medal for Aeronautics in 1937.

He was knighted in the 1948 Birthday Honours.

Personal life Gouge married Margaret Ellen Cook in 1918; they had one son and one daughter. His wife died on 15 May 1940. He died on Sunday 14 October 1962, aged 72 in Ryde, Isle of Wight.