Difference between revisions of "Ernest Frederick Augustus Gaunt"

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[[File:Gaunt as Rear-Admiral.jpg|thumb|right|282px|Sir Ernest F. A. Gaunt, as a Rear-Admiral.]]
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[[File:Gaunt, NPG x67067.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Admiral Sir Ernest F. A. Gaunt, as a Vice-Admiral, 1920.<br><small>Photograph: © National Portrait Gallery, London.</small>]]
  
 
{{AdmRN}} {{SIR}} '''Ernest Frederick Augustus Gaunt''', K.C.B., K.B.E., C.M.G., Royal Navy (25 March, 1865 &ndash; 20 April, 1940) was an officer of the [[Royal Navy]] during the [[First World War]].
 
{{AdmRN}} {{SIR}} '''Ernest Frederick Augustus Gaunt''', K.C.B., K.B.E., C.M.G., Royal Navy (25 March, 1865 &ndash; 20 April, 1940) was an officer of the [[Royal Navy]] during the [[First World War]].
  
 
==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>
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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==
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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>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/26983/pages/3984 no. 26983.  p. 3984.]  1 July, 1898.</ref>
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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>
  
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>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/27456/pages/4669 no. 27456.  p. 4669.]  2 January, 1903.</ref>
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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>
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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>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/27632/pages/25 no. 27632.  p. 25.]  1 January, 1904.</ref>
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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>
  
He was appointed to command the battleship [[H.M.S. Majestic (1895)|''Majestic'']] on 9 January, 1908.<ref>''The Navy List'' (October, 1908)p. 343.</ref>  
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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 command of the dreadnought [[H.M.S. Superb (1907)|''Superb'']] on 22 September, 1911.<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  The National Archives.  ADM 196/42.  f. 276.</ref>
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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>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/28725/pages/3913 no. 28725.  p. 3913.]  3 June, 1913.</ref>
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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>
  
 
==Flag Rank==
 
==Flag Rank==
He was promoted to the rank of {{RearRN}} dated 24 October, 1914.<ref>''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>
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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>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>
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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>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29751/supplements/9070 (Supplement) no. 29751.  p. 9070.]  15 September, 1916.</ref>
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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.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29751/supplements/9070 (Supplement) no. 29751.  p. 9070.]  15 September, 1916.</ref>
  
 
===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>
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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>''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>''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>
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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>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>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32782/supplements/6 no. 32782.  p. 6.]  (Supplement) 1 January, 1923.</ref>
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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>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32953/pages/5162 no. 32953.  p. 5162.]  4 July, 1924.</ref>
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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>
  
 
==Retirement==
 
==Retirement==
Gaunt was placed on the Retired List at his own request on 17 March, 1925.<ref>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/33031/pages/1954 no. 33031.  p. 1954.]  20 March, 1925.</ref>
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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>
  
 
==See Also==
 
==See Also==
{{WP|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Gaunt}}
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{{refbegin}}
 
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{{WP|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Gaunt}}
==Footnotes==
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{{refend}}
{{reflist}}
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==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 
{{refbegin}}
 
{{refbegin}}
*"Admiral Sir Ernest Gaunt" (Obituaries).  ''The Times''.  Monday, 22 April, 1940.  Issue '''48596''', col E, pg. 3.
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*"Admiral Sir Ernest Gaunt" (Obituaries).  ''The Times''.  Monday, 22 April, 1940.  Issue '''48596''', col E, p. 3.
 
{{refend}}
 
{{refend}}
  
 
==Service Records==
 
==Service Records==
 
{{refbegin}}
 
{{refbegin}}
*The National Archives.  [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=8556814&queryType=1&resultcount=7 ADM 196/88.]
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*{{TNA|ADM 196/88.|D8115408}}
*The National Archives.  [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7894532&queryType=1&resultcount=2 ADM 196/42.]
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*{{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D7579065}}
*The National Archives.  [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7906298&queryType=1&resultcount=2 ADM 196/20.]
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*{{TNA|ADM 196/20.|D7590821}}
 
{{refend}}
 
{{refend}}
  
 
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<div name=fredbot:appts>{{TabApptsBegin}}
 
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{{TabNaval}}
{{TabAppts}} 
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Rowland Edward Berkeley|Rowland E. Berkeley]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Landrail (1886)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Landrail'']]'''<br>16 Jul, 1901|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Stewart Ayscough Perry-Ayscough|Stewart A. Perry-Ayscough]]'''}}
|align=center colspan=3|'''{{SOON}}''' <!-- EDITORS: remove this line when table seems complete -->
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{{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>'''[[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]]'''}}
<!-- EDITORS:  uncomment and alter second line as: office, predecessor, tenure, successor, e.g. |[[First Sea Lord]]|[[Joe Blow]]|Jan 1912 &ndash; 1914|Office abolished
+
{{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]]'''}}
{{Appt
+
{{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>'''[[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>{{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]]'''}}
<!-- EDITORS:  uncomment and alter second line as: bare ship title, predecessor, tenure, successor, e.g. |[[H.M.S. Dreadnought (1906)|[[Joe Blow]]|Jan 1912 &ndash; Mar 1914|[[Jack Blow]]
+
{{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]]'''}}
{{ApptCapt
+
{{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>'''[[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]]'''|'''[[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'''}}
 
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;" align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[Hugh Evan-Thomas]]'''
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[First Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral in the First Battle Squadron]]'''<br>1915 - 1916
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;" align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[Alexander Ludovic Duff|Alexander L. Duff]]'''
+
|-
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[Alexander Ludovic Duff|Alexander L. Duff]]'''
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Fourth Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral in the Fourth Battle Squadron]]'''<br>1916 - 1917
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;" align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[Roger John Brownlow Keyes, First Baron Keyes|Roger J. B. Keyes]]'''
+
|-
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[Rosslyn Erskine Wemyss, First Baron Wester Wemyss|Sir Rosslyn E. Wemyss]]'''
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[East Indies Station|Commander-in-Chief on the East Indies Station]]'''<br>1917 - 1919
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;" align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[Hugh Henry Darby Tothill|Sir Hugh H. D. Tothill]]'''
+
|-
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[Reginald Godfrey Otway Tupper|Sir Reginald G. O. Tupper]]'''
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Senior Officer on the Coast of Ireland|Commander-in-Chief, Western Approaches]]'''<br>1921 - 1922
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;" align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''Command Disbanded'''
+
|-
+
 
{{TabEnd}}
 
{{TabEnd}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:appts>
 +
 +
==Footnotes==
 +
{{reflist}}
  
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gaunt, Ernest}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gaunt, Ernest}}
  
 
{{CatPerson|UK|1865|1940}}
 
{{CatPerson|UK|1865|1940}}
[[Category:H.M.S. Britannia (Training Ship) Entrants of January, 1878]]
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{{CatBritannia|January, 1878}}
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{{CatAdm|UK}}
 +
 
 
[[Category:Rear-Admirals, Chatham Royal Naval Barracks]]
 
[[Category:Rear-Admirals, Chatham Royal Naval Barracks]]
[[Category:Rear-Admirals in the First Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)]]
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[[Category:Companions of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George]]
[[Category:Rear-Admirals in the Fourth Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)]]
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[[Category:Commanders-in-Chief on the East Indies Station]]
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[[Category:Commanders-in-Chief, Western Approaches]]
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{{CatAdmiral|UK}}
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Revision as of 11:39, 20 May 2019

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
Rowland E. Berkeley
Captain of H.M.S. Landrail
16 Jul, 1901
Succeeded by
Stewart A. Perry-Ayscough
Preceded by
William F. De Salis
Captain of H.M.S. Scout
12 Aug, 1901[23][24]
Succeeded by
?
Preceded by
Frederick H. P. W. Freeman
Captain of H.M.S. Mohawk
12 Feb, 1903[25] – 10 Jan, 1904[26]
Succeeded by
Richard F. Phillimore
Preceded by
William J. Grogan
Captain of H.M.S. Indefatigable
3 Jan, 1905[27] – 2 Oct, 1905[28]
Succeeded by
Philip Nelson-Ward
Preceded by
Edward G. Shortland
Captain of H.M.S. Cambrian
3 Oct, 1905[29][30] – 3 Nov, 1907[31]
Succeeded by
Price V. Lewes
Preceded by
Harry H. Stileman
Captain of H.M.S. Majestic
7 Jan, 1908[32] – 2 Jan, 1910[33]
Succeeded by
Rowland Nugent
Preceded by
David Beatty
Captain of H.M.S. Queen
4 Jan, 1910[34][35] – 2 Oct, 1911[36]
Succeeded by
Thomas D. L. Sheppard
Preceded by
Herbert L. Heath
Captain of H.M.S. Superb
22 Sep, 1911[37][38] – 29 Apr, 1913[39]
Succeeded by
George P. W. Hope
Preceded by
Seymour E. Erskine
Commodore-in-Command, Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham
24 Apr, 1913[40] – 25 Aug, 1915[41]
Succeeded by
Seymour E. Erskine
Preceded by
Hugh Evan-Thomas
Rear-Admiral in the First Battle Squadron
25 Aug, 1915[42][43] – 12 Jun, 1916[44]
Succeeded by
Alexander L. Duff
Preceded by
Alexander L. Duff
Rear-Admiral in the Fourth Battle Squadron
12 Jun, 1916[45] – 23 Jun, 1917[46]
Succeeded by
Roger J. B. Keyes
Preceded by
Sir Rosslyn E. Wemyss
Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station
23 Jun, 1917[47] – 1 Aug, 1919[48]
Succeeded by
Sir Hugh H. D. Tothill
Preceded by
Reginald G. O. Tupper
Commander-in-Chief, Western Approaches
1 Apr, 1921[49] – 15 Mar, 1922[50]
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. Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  24. The Navy List. (May, 1902). p. 301a.
  25. The Navy List. (May, 1903). p. 281.
  26. Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  27. Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  28. Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 575.
  29. The Navy List. (November, 1905). p. 290.
  30. Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  31. Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 575.
  32. Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  33. Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 575.
  34. Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  35. The Navy List. (April, 1911). p. 363.
  36. Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 575.
  37. Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  38. The Navy List. (August, 1912). p. 379.
  39. Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 575.
  40. Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  41. Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  42. Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 2.
  43. Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  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. p. 276.
  48. Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  49. Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 575.
  50. Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 575.