Gaunt was provided with a paper that confirmed he was authorised to have petrol coupons for Official Business and referring any queries c/o GPO Highworth.
He was trained to supervise Grenade Throwing with No.36 Grenades (Mills bombs). This was a high risk activity and there were a number of Home Guard casualties in training, so this was a responsible role.
His family have a cup which was awarded to the best Patrol in the Group each year, perhaps as part of the Patrol Competition.
| Unit or location | Role | Posted from | until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dorset Group 3 - Dorchester | Group Commander | 08 Jun 1940 | 03 Dec 1944 |
Estate manager
During the First World War he served as a Corporal in the Rifle Brigade, No.62553
12th Dec 1942 Home Guard records note transfer to 203 Battalion
16th Sept 1943 Promoted Captain
The son of Alfred and Elizabeth he was born at St Neots, Cambridgeshire where he became an estate manager for the Frith Estate in Hertfordshire. He married Daisy Slingsby in 1927. They moved to Dorset in 1937 and he became the estate manager for the Ilsington Estate, Puddletown.
In 1949 he took over The Phoenix Hotel in Dorchester and was a founding member of the local Licensed Victuallers Society. He organised the local Judo and Anglers clubs from the Hotel and he always enjoyed a days shooting.
TNA ref WO199/3390, WO 199/3391
John Pidgeon