Difference between revisions of "Ernest Frederick Augustus Gaunt"

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==Early Life & Career==
 
==Early Life & Career==
−
Ernest Frederick Augustus Gaunt was born on 25 March, 1865, in Beechworth, Victoria, Australia, the son of William Henry Gaunt, barrister and judge (1830 &ndash; 1905).  A younger brother, [[Guy Reginald Archer Gaunt|Guy Gaunt]], also joined the [[Royal Navy]].  His sister was the noted author Mary Gaunt.  Two other brothers were solicitors in Singapore, and the eldest became a Colonel in the Dragoon Guards.  He was educated at Melbourne Grammar School, and on 25 January, 1878, joined the training ship [[H.M.S. Britannia (Training Ship)|''Britannia'']] at Dartmouth.<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 276.</ref>
+
Ernest Frederick Augustus Gaunt was born on 25 March, 1865, in Beechworth, Victoria, Australia, the son of William Henry Gaunt, barrister and judge (1830 &ndash; 1905).  A younger brother, [[Guy Reginald Archer Gaunt|Guy Gaunt]], also joined the [[Royal Navy]].  His sister was the noted author Mary Gaunt.  Two other brothers were solicitors in Singapore, and the eldest became a Colonel in the Dragoon Guards.  He was educated at Melbourne Grammar School, and on 25 January, 1878, joined the training ship [[H.M.S. Britannia (Training Ship)|''Britannia'']] at Dartmouth, as a Colonial Cadet.<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D7579065}} f. 276.</ref>
  
 
==Lieutenant==
 
==Lieutenant==
 +
Gaunt was promoted to the rank of {{LieutRN}} on 19 May, 1886 while at {{UK-Excellent|f=p}} for examinations which had just resulted in April in the award of a First Class certificate with 537 marks.  Gaunt would subsequently be appointed to join the Home Fleet's {{UK-1Colossus|f=t}} on 4 June.<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D7579065}}  f. 276.</ref>
  
 
==Commander==
 
==Commander==
−
Gaunt was promoted to the rank of {{CommRN}} on 30 June, 1898.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/26983/pages/3984 no. 26983.  p. 3984.]  1 July, 1898.</ref>
+
Gaunt was promoted to the rank of {{CommRN}} on 30 June, 1898.{{Gaz|26983|3984|1 July, 1898}}
  
−
For his services in China, he was appointed a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (C.M.G.) on 26 June, 1902.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/27456/pages/4669 no. 27456.  p. 4669.] 2 January, 1903.</ref>
+
For his services in China, he was appointed a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (C.M.G.) on 26 June, 1902.{{Gaz|27456|4669|2 January, 1903}}
 +
 
 +
Gaunt next went to Somaliland, in command of the elderly {{UK-2Mohawk|f=t}}. While commanding a landing party on Durbo, Gaunt sustained a compound fracture in his left thigh during an attack on natives at Bundar Kassim on 5 December, 1903. His recovery from the injury was swift and he secured an award of the silver medal for valour from the King of Italy, which he was permitted to wear without restriction. He was not fit to travel, however, until mid-1904 when he returned to Britain, arriving on 14 May to begin treatment at Osborne House.  He was further recommended for by Rear-Admiral [[George Lambart Atkinson-Willes|Atkinson-Willes]] for gallantry in connection with the death of an Italian officer in the landing at Durbo.<ref>Gaunt Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D7579065}} f. 276.</ref>
  
 
==Captain==
 
==Captain==
−
Gaunt was promoted to the rank of {{CaptRN}} on 31 December, 1903.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/27632/pages/25 no. 27632.  p. 25.]  1 January, 1904.</ref>
+
Gaunt was promoted to the rank of {{CaptRN}} on 31 December, 1903.{{Gaz|27632|25|1 January, 1904}}
  
−
He was appointed in command the battleship {{UK-Majestic}} on 9 January, 1908.<ref>{{TNA|ADM 196/42}}. f. 276.</ref>
+
He was appointed in command the battleship {{UK-Majestic}} on 9 January, 1908.<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D7579065}}  f. 276.</ref>
  
−
He was appointed captain of the {{UK-Queen|f=t}} on 4 January of 1910,<ref>{{TNA|ADM 196/42}}.  f. 276.</ref> then to the {{UK-Superb|f=t}} on 22 September, 1911.<ref>{{TNA|ADM 196/42}}. f. 276.</ref>
+
He was appointed captain of the {{UK-Queen|f=t}} on 4 January of 1910, then to the {{UK-Superb|f=t}} on 22 September, 1911.<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D7579065}}  f. 276.</ref>
  
−
He was appointed a [[Naval Aide-de-Camp]] to King George V on 16 May, 1913, vice [[Mark Edward Frederic Kerr|Kerr]].<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/28725/pages/3913 no. 28725.  p. 3913.]  3 June, 1913.</ref>
+
He was appointed a [[Naval Aide-de-Camp]] to King George V on 16 May, 1913, vice [[Mark Edward Frederic Kerr|Kerr]].{{Gaz|28725|3913|3 June, 1913}}
  
 
==Flag Rank==
 
==Flag Rank==
−
He was promoted to the rank of {{RearRN}} dated 24 October, 1914.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/28984/pages/9690 no. 28984.  p. 9690.]  24 November, 1914.</ref> He was reappointed to Chatham barracks as Rear-Admiral on 21 December.<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 276.</ref>
+
He was promoted to the rank of {{RearRN}} dated 24 October, 1914.{{Gaz|28984|9690|24 November, 1914}} He was reappointed to Chatham barracks as Rear-Admiral on 21 December.<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D7579065}} f. 276.</ref>
  
 
===First Battle Squadron===
 
===First Battle Squadron===
−
Gaunt was appointed Rear-Admiral in the [[First Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|First Battle Squadron]] of the [[Grand Fleet]] on 25 August, 1915.<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 276.</ref>
+
Gaunt was appointed Rear-Admiral in the [[First Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|First Battle Squadron]] of the [[Grand Fleet]] on 25 August, 1915.<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D7579065}} f. 276.</ref>
  
 
"One day an enormous parcel arrived from Australia.  The good ladies of Melbourne had stitched the most enormous Rear-Admiral's flag [to] be flown in action.  Father thanked [them] profusely but the last thing he intended to do, as Nelson almost did, [was] to advertise his ship's presence so the beautiful silk flag was never used."<ref name=Moleyns>Sheila de Moleyns.  Tape recording in possession of the Liddle Collection, University of Leeds.</ref>
 
"One day an enormous parcel arrived from Australia.  The good ladies of Melbourne had stitched the most enormous Rear-Admiral's flag [to] be flown in action.  Father thanked [them] profusely but the last thing he intended to do, as Nelson almost did, [was] to advertise his ship's presence so the beautiful silk flag was never used."<ref name=Moleyns>Sheila de Moleyns.  Tape recording in possession of the Liddle Collection, University of Leeds.</ref>
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===Fourth Battle Squadron===
 
===Fourth Battle Squadron===
−
Following Jutland, on 12 June, Gaunt was appointed Rear-Admiral in the [[Fourth Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Fourth Battle Squadron]].<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 276.</ref>  On 15 September he was appointed an Additional Member of the Third Class, or Companion, in the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (C.B.) dated 31 May.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29751/supplements/9070 (Supplement) no. 29751.  p. 9070.]  15 September, 1916.</ref>
+
Following Jutland, on 12 June, Gaunt was appointed Rear-Admiral in the [[Fourth Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Fourth Battle Squadron]].<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D7579065}} f. 276.</ref>  On 15 September he was appointed an Additional Member of the Third Class, or Companion, in the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (C.B.) dated 31 May.{{GazSup|29751|9070|15 September, 1916}}
  
 
===East Indies Station===
 
===East Indies Station===
−
On 23 June, 1917, Gaunt was appointed [[East Indies Station|Commander-in-Chief on the East Indies Station]].<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 276.</ref>
+
On 23 June, 1917, Gaunt was appointed [[East Indies Station|Commander-in-Chief on the East Indies Station]].<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D7579065}} f. 276.</ref>
  
−
He was promoted to the rank of {{ViceRN}} on 21 February, 1919, vice [[Rosslyn Erskine Wemyss, First Baron Wester Wemyss|Wemyss]].<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/31223/pages/3295 no. 31223.  p. 3295.]  11 March, 1919.</ref> On the occasion of the King's birthday he was appointed an Additional Member of the Second Class, or Knight Commander, in the Military Division of the Order of the Bath (K.C.B.) on 3 June.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/31379/supplements/7045 (Supplement) no. 31379.  p. 7045.]  3 June, 1919.</ref> On 1 August he was superseded on the East Indies Station and gave up command on 15 November.<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 276.</ref>
+
He was promoted to the rank of {{ViceRN}} on 21 February, 1919, vice [[Rosslyn Erskine Wemyss, First Baron Wester Wemyss|Wemyss]].{{Gaz|31223|3295|11 March, 1919}} On the occasion of the King's birthday he was appointed an Additional Member of the Second Class, or Knight Commander, in the Military Division of the Order of the Bath (K.C.B.) on 3 June.{{GazSup|31379|7045|3 June, 1919}} On 1 August he was superseded on the East Indies Station and gave up command on 15 November.<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D7579065}} f. 276.</ref>
  
 
==Western Approaches==
 
==Western Approaches==
 
Gaunt was appointed a Knight Commander in the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (K.B.E.) on 1 January, 1923.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32782/supplements/6 no. 32782.  p. 6.]  (Supplement) 1 January, 1923.</ref>
 
Gaunt was appointed a Knight Commander in the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (K.B.E.) on 1 January, 1923.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32782/supplements/6 no. 32782.  p. 6.]  (Supplement) 1 January, 1923.</ref>
  
−
On 30 July, 1924, Gaunt was promoted to the rank of {{AdmRN}}, vice [[Hugh Evan-Thomas|Evan-Thomas]].<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32953/pages/5162 no. 32953.  p. 5162.]  4 July, 1924.</ref>
+
On 30 July, 1924, Gaunt was promoted to the rank of {{AdmRN}}, vice [[Hugh Evan-Thomas|Evan-Thomas]].{{Gaz|32953|5162|4 July, 1924}}
  
 
==Retirement==
 
==Retirement==
−
Gaunt was placed on the Retired List at his own request on 17 March, 1925.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/33031/pages/1954 no. 33031.  p. 1954.]  20 March, 1925.</ref>
+
Gaunt was placed on the Retired List at his own request on 17 March, 1925.{{Gaz|33031|1954|20 March, 1925}}
  
 
==See Also==
 
==See Also==
−
{{WP|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Gaunt}}
+
{{refbegin}}
 +
{{WP|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Gaunt}}
 +
{{refend}}
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
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<div name=fredbot:appts>{{TabApptsBegin}}
 
<div name=fredbot:appts>{{TabApptsBegin}}
 
{{TabNaval}}
 
{{TabNaval}}
−
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[William Fane De Salis|William F. De Salis]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Scout (1885)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Scout'']]'''<br>12 Aug, 1901<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 276.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[John George Mostyn Field|John G. M. Field]]'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Algernon Horatio Anson|Algernon H. Anson]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Landrail (1886)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Landrail'']]'''<br>16 Jul, 1901{{ToL|The Naval Manoeuvres|Thursday, July 11, 1901, Issue 36504, p.8}}|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Stewart Ayscough Perry-Ayscough|Stewart A. Perry-Ayscough]]'''}}
−
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Frederick Henry Peere Williams Freeman|Frederick H. P. W. Freeman]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Mohawk (1886)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Mohawk'']]'''<br>1903<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 276.</ref> &ndash; 10 Jan, 1904<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 276.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''?'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[William Fane De Salis|William F. De Salis]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Scout (1885)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Scout'']]'''<br>12 Aug, 1901<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 276.</ref>{{NLMay02|p. 301''a''}}|Succeeded by<br>'''?'''}}
−
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Lewis Bayly|Lewis Bayly]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Indefatigable (1891)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Indefatigable'']]'''<br>3 Jan, 1905<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref> &ndash; 2 Oct, 1905<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}}  f. 575.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Philip Nelson-Ward|Philip Nelson-Ward]]'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Frederick Henry Peere Williams Freeman|Frederick H. P. W. Freeman]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Mohawk (1886)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Mohawk'']]'''<br>12 Feb, 1903{{NLMay03|p. 281}} &ndash; 10 Jan, 1904<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 276.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Richard Fortescue Phillimore|Richard F. Phillimore]]'''}}
−
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Edward George Shortland|Edward G. Shortland]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Cambrian (1893)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Cambrian'']]'''<br>3 Oct, 1905<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref> &ndash; 3 Nov, 1907<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}}  f. 575.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Price Vaughan Lewes|Price V. Lewes]]'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[William John Grogan|William J. Grogan]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Indefatigable (1891)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Indefatigable'']]'''<br>3 Jan, 1905<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref> &ndash; 2 Oct, 1905<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}}  f. 575.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Philip Nelson-Ward|Philip Nelson-Ward]]'''}}
 +
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Edward George Shortland|Edward G. Shortland]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Cambrian (1893)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Cambrian'']]'''<br>3 Oct, 1905{{NLNov05|p. 290}}<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref> &ndash; 3 Nov, 1907<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}}  f. 575.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Price Vaughan Lewes|Price V. Lewes]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Harry Hampson Stileman|Harry H. Stileman]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Majestic (1895)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Majestic'']]'''<br>7 Jan, 1908<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref> &ndash; 2 Jan, 1910<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}}  f. 575.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Rowland Nugent|Rowland Nugent]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Harry Hampson Stileman|Harry H. Stileman]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Majestic (1895)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Majestic'']]'''<br>7 Jan, 1908<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref> &ndash; 2 Jan, 1910<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}}  f. 575.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Rowland Nugent|Rowland Nugent]]'''}}
−
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[David Richard Beatty, First Earl Beatty|David Beatty]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Queen (1902)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Queen'']]'''<br>4 Jan, 1910<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref> &ndash; 2 Oct, 1911<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}}  f. 575.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Thomas Dawson Lees Sheppard|Thomas D. L. Sheppard]]'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[David Richard Beatty, First Earl Beatty|David Beatty]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Queen (1902)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Queen'']]'''<br>4 Jan, 1910<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref>{{NLApr11|p. 363}} &ndash; 2 Oct, 1911<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}}  f. 575.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Thomas Dawson Lees Sheppard|Thomas D. L. Sheppard]]'''}}
−
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Herbert Leopold Heath|Herbert L. Heath]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Superb (1907)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Superb'']]'''<br>22 Sep, 1911<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref> &ndash; 29 Apr, 1913<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}}  f. 575.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[George Price Webley Hope|George P. W. Hope]]'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Herbert Leopold Heath|Herbert L. Heath]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Superb (1907)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Superb'']]'''<br>22 Sep, 1911<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref>{{NLAug12|p. 379}} &ndash; 29 Apr, 1913<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}}  f. 575.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[George Price Webley Hope|George P. W. Hope]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Seymour Elphinstone Erskine|Seymour E. Erskine]]'''|'''[[Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham|Commodore-in-Command, Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham]]'''<br>24 Apr, 1913<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42}}.  f. 276.</ref> &ndash; 25 Aug, 1915<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Seymour Elphinstone Erskine|Seymour E. Erskine]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Seymour Elphinstone Erskine|Seymour E. Erskine]]'''|'''[[Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham|Commodore-in-Command, Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham]]'''<br>24 Apr, 1913<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42}}.  f. 276.</ref> &ndash; 25 Aug, 1915<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Seymour Elphinstone Erskine|Seymour E. Erskine]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Hugh Evan-Thomas|Hugh Evan-Thomas]]'''|'''[[First Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral in the First Battle Squadron]]'''<br>25 Aug, 1915{{UKCeased|p. 2}}<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref> &ndash; 12 Jun, 1916<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Alexander Ludovic Duff|Alexander L. Duff]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Hugh Evan-Thomas|Hugh Evan-Thomas]]'''|'''[[First Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral in the First Battle Squadron]]'''<br>25 Aug, 1915{{UKCeased|p. 2}}<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref> &ndash; 12 Jun, 1916<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Alexander Ludovic Duff|Alexander L. Duff]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Alexander Ludovic Duff|Alexander L. Duff]]'''|'''[[Fourth Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral in the Fourth Battle Squadron]]'''<br>12 Jun, 1916<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42}}.  f. 276.</ref> &ndash; 23 Jun, 1917<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Roger John Brownlow Keyes, First Baron Keyes|Roger J. B. Keyes]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Alexander Ludovic Duff|Alexander L. Duff]]'''|'''[[Fourth Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral in the Fourth Battle Squadron]]'''<br>12 Jun, 1916<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42}}.  f. 276.</ref> &ndash; 23 Jun, 1917<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Roger John Brownlow Keyes, First Baron Keyes|Roger J. B. Keyes]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Rosslyn Erskine Wemyss, First Baron Wester Wemyss|Sir Rosslyn E. Wemyss]]'''|'''[[East Indies Station|Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station]]'''<br>23 Jun, 1917<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42}}.  p. 276.</ref> &ndash; 1 Aug, 1919<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Hugh Henry Darby Tothill|Sir Hugh H. D. Tothill]]'''}}
 
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Rosslyn Erskine Wemyss, First Baron Wester Wemyss|Sir Rosslyn E. Wemyss]]'''|'''[[East Indies Station|Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station]]'''<br>23 Jun, 1917<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42}}.  p. 276.</ref> &ndash; 1 Aug, 1919<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Hugh Henry Darby Tothill|Sir Hugh H. D. Tothill]]'''}}
−
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Reginald Godfrey Otway Tupper|Reginald G. O. Tupper]]'''|'''[[Senior Officer on the Coast of Ireland|Commander-in-Chief, Western Approaches]]'''<br>1 Apr, 1921<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}}  f. 575.</ref> &ndash; 15 Mar, 1922<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}}  f. 575.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''Command Disbanded'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Reginald Godfrey Otway Tupper|Reginald G. O. Tupper]]'''|'''[[Coast of Ireland|Commander-in-Chief, Western Approaches]]'''<br>1 Apr, 1921<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}}  f. 575.</ref> &ndash; 15 Mar, 1922<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}}  f. 575.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''Command Disbanded'''}}
 
{{TabEnd}}
 
{{TabEnd}}
 
</div name=fredbot:appts>
 
</div name=fredbot:appts>
Line 91: Line 97:
 
{{CatPerson|UK|1865|1940}}
 
{{CatPerson|UK|1865|1940}}
 
{{CatBritannia|January, 1878}}
 
{{CatBritannia|January, 1878}}
 +
{{CatAdm|UK}}
 +
 
[[Category:Rear-Admirals, Chatham Royal Naval Barracks]]
 
[[Category:Rear-Admirals, Chatham Royal Naval Barracks]]
−
{{CatAdmiral|UK}}
+
[[Category:Companions of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George]]
 +
{{CatRN}}

Latest revision as of 23:02, 6 April 2022

Admiral Sir Ernest F. A. Gaunt, as a Vice-Admiral, 1920.
Photograph: © National Portrait Gallery, London.

Admiral SIR Ernest Frederick Augustus Gaunt, K.C.B., K.B.E., C.M.G., Royal Navy (25 March, 1865 – 20 April, 1940) was an officer of the Royal Navy during the First World War.

Early Life & Career

Ernest Frederick Augustus Gaunt was born on 25 March, 1865, in Beechworth, Victoria, Australia, the son of William Henry Gaunt, barrister and judge (1830 – 1905). A younger brother, Guy Gaunt, also joined the Royal Navy. His sister was the noted author Mary Gaunt. Two other brothers were solicitors in Singapore, and the eldest became a Colonel in the Dragoon Guards. He was educated at Melbourne Grammar School, and on 25 January, 1878, joined the training ship Britannia at Dartmouth, as a Colonial Cadet.[1]

Lieutenant

Gaunt was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 19 May, 1886 while at H.M.S. Excellent for examinations which had just resulted in April in the award of a First Class certificate with 537 marks. Gaunt would subsequently be appointed to join the Home Fleet's second class battleship Colossus on 4 June.[2]

Commander

Gaunt was promoted to the rank of Commander on 30 June, 1898.[3]

For his services in China, he was appointed a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (C.M.G.) on 26 June, 1902.[4]

Gaunt next went to Somaliland, in command of the elderly torpedo cruiser Mohawk. While commanding a landing party on Durbo, Gaunt sustained a compound fracture in his left thigh during an attack on natives at Bundar Kassim on 5 December, 1903. His recovery from the injury was swift and he secured an award of the silver medal for valour from the King of Italy, which he was permitted to wear without restriction. He was not fit to travel, however, until mid-1904 when he returned to Britain, arriving on 14 May to begin treatment at Osborne House. He was further recommended for by Rear-Admiral Atkinson-Willes for gallantry in connection with the death of an Italian officer in the landing at Durbo.[5]

Captain

Gaunt was promoted to the rank of Captain on 31 December, 1903.[6]

He was appointed in command the battleship Majestic on 9 January, 1908.[7]

He was appointed captain of the battleship Queen on 4 January of 1910, then to the battleship Superb on 22 September, 1911.[8]

He was appointed a Naval Aide-de-Camp to King George V on 16 May, 1913, vice Kerr.[9]

Flag Rank

He was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral dated 24 October, 1914.[10] He was reappointed to Chatham barracks as Rear-Admiral on 21 December.[11]

First Battle Squadron

Gaunt was appointed Rear-Admiral in the First Battle Squadron of the Grand Fleet on 25 August, 1915.[12]

"One day an enormous parcel arrived from Australia. The good ladies of Melbourne had stitched the most enormous Rear-Admiral's flag [to] be flown in action. Father thanked [them] profusely but the last thing he intended to do, as Nelson almost did, [was] to advertise his ship's presence so the beautiful silk flag was never used."[13]

According to Mrs de Molyns: "Father worshipped Jellicoe; the greatest sailor ever; far superior to Nelson, Drake and all the others."[13]

Of Beatty he supposedly said: "Friend of Churchill. Rich wife. Helped Churchill with his polo ponies. [Should] never have been allowed to cross the threshold of a quarterdeck. [Self]-Advertiser. No place inside the Senior Service."[13]

In the Battle of Jutland on 31 May, 1916, he commanded the Fifth Division of the Grand Fleet from Colossus.

Fourth Battle Squadron

Following Jutland, on 12 June, Gaunt was appointed Rear-Admiral in the Fourth Battle Squadron.[14] On 15 September he was appointed an Additional Member of the Third Class, or Companion, in the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (C.B.) dated 31 May.[15]

East Indies Station

On 23 June, 1917, Gaunt was appointed Commander-in-Chief on the East Indies Station.[16]

He was promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral on 21 February, 1919, vice Wemyss.[17] On the occasion of the King's birthday he was appointed an Additional Member of the Second Class, or Knight Commander, in the Military Division of the Order of the Bath (K.C.B.) on 3 June.[18] On 1 August he was superseded on the East Indies Station and gave up command on 15 November.[19]

Western Approaches

Gaunt was appointed a Knight Commander in the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (K.B.E.) on 1 January, 1923.[20]

On 30 July, 1924, Gaunt was promoted to the rank of Admiral, vice Evan-Thomas.[21]

Retirement

Gaunt was placed on the Retired List at his own request on 17 March, 1925.[22]

See Also

Bibliography

  • "Admiral Sir Ernest Gaunt" (Obituaries). The Times. Monday, 22 April, 1940. Issue 48596, col E, p. 3.

Service Records

Naval Appointments
Preceded by
Algernon H. Anson 		Captain of H.M.S. Landrail
16 Jul, 1901[23] 		Succeeded by
Stewart A. Perry-Ayscough
Preceded by
William F. De Salis 		Captain of H.M.S. Scout
12 Aug, 1901[24][25] 		Succeeded by
?
Preceded by
Frederick H. P. W. Freeman 		Captain of H.M.S. Mohawk
12 Feb, 1903[26] – 10 Jan, 1904[27] 		Succeeded by
Richard F. Phillimore
Preceded by
William J. Grogan 		Captain of H.M.S. Indefatigable
3 Jan, 1905[28] – 2 Oct, 1905[29] 		Succeeded by
Philip Nelson-Ward
Preceded by
Edward G. Shortland 		Captain of H.M.S. Cambrian
3 Oct, 1905[30][31] – 3 Nov, 1907[32] 		Succeeded by
Price V. Lewes
Preceded by
Harry H. Stileman 		Captain of H.M.S. Majestic
7 Jan, 1908[33] – 2 Jan, 1910[34] 		Succeeded by
Rowland Nugent
Preceded by
David Beatty 		Captain of H.M.S. Queen
4 Jan, 1910[35][36] – 2 Oct, 1911[37] 		Succeeded by
Thomas D. L. Sheppard
Preceded by
Herbert L. Heath 		Captain of H.M.S. Superb
22 Sep, 1911[38][39] – 29 Apr, 1913[40] 		Succeeded by
George P. W. Hope
Preceded by
Seymour E. Erskine 		Commodore-in-Command, Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham
24 Apr, 1913[41] – 25 Aug, 1915[42] 		Succeeded by
Seymour E. Erskine
Preceded by
Hugh Evan-Thomas 		Rear-Admiral in the First Battle Squadron
25 Aug, 1915[43][44] – 12 Jun, 1916[45] 		Succeeded by
Alexander L. Duff
Preceded by
Alexander L. Duff 		Rear-Admiral in the Fourth Battle Squadron
12 Jun, 1916[46] – 23 Jun, 1917[47] 		Succeeded by
Roger J. B. Keyes
Preceded by
Sir Rosslyn E. Wemyss 		Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station
23 Jun, 1917[48] – 1 Aug, 1919[49] 		Succeeded by
Sir Hugh H. D. Tothill
Preceded by
Reginald G. O. Tupper 		Commander-in-Chief, Western Approaches
1 Apr, 1921[50] – 15 Mar, 1922[51] 		Succeeded by
Command Disbanded

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  2. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  3. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 26983. p. 3984. 1 July, 1898.
  4. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 27456. p. 4669. 2 January, 1903.
  5. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  6. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 27632. p. 25. 1 January, 1904.
  7. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  8. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  9. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 28725. p. 3913. 3 June, 1913.
  10. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 28984. p. 9690. 24 November, 1914.
  11. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  12. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Sheila de Moleyns. Tape recording in possession of the Liddle Collection, University of Leeds.
  14. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  15. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 29751. p. 9070. 15 September, 1916.
  16. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  17. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 31223. p. 3295. 11 March, 1919.
  18. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 31379. p. 7045. 3 June, 1919.
  19. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  20. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 32782. p. 6. (Supplement) 1 January, 1923.
  21. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 32953. p. 5162. 4 July, 1924.
  22. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 33031. p. 1954. 20 March, 1925.
  23. ↑ "The Naval Manoeuvres." The Times (London, England), Thursday, July 11, 1901, Issue 36504, p.8.
  24. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  25. ↑ The Navy List. (May, 1902). p. 301a.
  26. ↑ The Navy List. (May, 1903). p. 281.
  27. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  28. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  29. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 575.
  30. ↑ The Navy List. (November, 1905). p. 290.
  31. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  32. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 575.
  33. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  34. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 575.
  35. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  36. ↑ The Navy List. (April, 1911). p. 363.
  37. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 575.
  38. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  39. ↑ The Navy List. (August, 1912). p. 379.
  40. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 575.
  41. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  42. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  43. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 2.
  44. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  45. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  46. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  47. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  48. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. p. 276.
  49. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  50. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 575.
  51. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 575.

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