Ernest Frederick Augustus Gaunt

Admiral 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

His brother, Guy Gaunt, also rose to Flag Rank. His sister was the noted author Mary Gaunt. His son, John Gaunt (1905–1970) was a leading South Rhodesian politician during the 1960s.

First World War

He was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral dated 24 October, 1914.

First Battle Squadron

"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."

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

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."

East Indies Station

He was promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral on 21 February, 1919, vice Wemyss.

Bibliography

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

Service Records

• The National Archives. ADM 196/42.
• The National Archives. ADM 196/20.

Naval Offices
Preceded by Hugh Evan-Thomas	Rear-Admiral in the First Battle Squadron 1915 - 1916	Succeeded by Alexander L. Duff
Preceded by Alexander L. Duff	Rear-Admiral in the Fourth Battle Squadron 1916 - 1917	Succeeded by Roger J. B. Keyes
Preceded by Sir Rosslyn E. Wemyss	Commander-in-Chief on the East Indies Station 1917 - 1919	Succeeded by Sir Hugh H. D. Tothill
Preceded by Sir Reginald G. O. Tupper	Commander-in-Chief, Western Approaches 1921 - 1922	Succeeded by Command Disbanded