Valesius Skipton Gouldsbury

Valesius Skipton Gouldsbury CMG (17 March 1839 – 11 November 1896) was a British surgeon, military officer, and colonial administrator. He served as Administrator of the Gambia from 1877 to 1884, and Administrator of Saint Lucia from 1891 to 1896.

Early life and education Gouldsbury was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1839. He studied at the Ledwich School of Medicine, and became a Licentiate of Medicine at Coombe Hospital in 1857. In 1862, he graduated with a doctorate in medicine without honours from the Queen's University of Ireland, and was admitted as a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in the same year.

Military career Gouldsbury was appointed as a Staff Assistant Surgeon on 30 September 1863. He served in the Anglo-Ashante Wars in the Gold Coast from 1873 to 1874 and was presented with a sword by the Secretary of State for the Colonies for his conduct. He was promoted to Surgeon Major in 1876

Colonial service Before serving in the Gambia, Gouldsbury was Civil Commandant at Accra. He served in Saint Lucia until 1896.

Death Gouldsbury suffered from failing health in Saint Lucia, and left in 1896 to return to England in an attempt to recover. He died in London on 11 November 1896.