Captain Reginald Stannus Goff, C.B.E., D.S.O. (27 February, 1882 – 12 November, 1965) was an officer in the Royal Navy.
Born in Southampton and raised by his mother, Goff gained seven months' time on passing out of Britannia.
Goff was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 30 June, 1903. In April 1905 passed exam as Interpreter in Japanese as arranged by D.N.E..
In 1905, Goff passed a preliminary test in Japanese, arranged by the D.N.E..
In 1907, he was told to exercise more caution after damaging Cynthia at Hull. On 10 February 1910, he left Cynthia for command of Garry. In June, he commenced 17 months studying Japanese on the books of Minotaur, being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander on 30 June, 1911.
Goff passed for Japanese Interpreter on 28 July, 1912.
Goff stayed on in Japan during an absence of the Naval Attache, Tokyo. Upon his return in September 1912, the Attache reported that Goff had been extremely useful and had gotten on well with his Japanese counterparts while reporting on their naval manoeuvres. Goff commenced to find his own way home on 20 November 1912, arriving home on 24 January, 1913.
Goff was appointed in command of the destroyer Ure on 25 February, 1913.
He was appointed in command of the destroyer Garland on 25 November, 1913. He was her captain at the Battle of Jutland, operating as part of the Fourth Destroyer Flotilla. Goff's performance in Garland during the battle was lauded, as he had immediately reported the presence of the enemy, fired guns and torpedoes judiciously and had escorted and stood by Porpoise to ensure her safe return to the Tyne. Goff was specially promoted for the services to the rank of Commander on 30 June, 1916.