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.

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.

"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."

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 Fourth 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	Coast of Ireland Station 1921 - 1922	Succeeded by Command Disbanded