Gaunt Harold L/Cpl 39463

SKR/DAT/IP/9508

Gaunt Harold L/Cpl 39463

2000-2024

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Surname: Gaunt;

Forename(s): Harold;

Initials: H;

Number: 39463;

Rank: L/Cpl;

Born in: Codnor Park, Derby;

Enlisted in: Ilkeston;

Enlistment Date: 06-Feb-1915;

Resided in: Loscoe, Derby;

Previous Number: 17274;

Previous Battalion: 8 of;

Previous Regiment: Northumberland Fus;

Date of transfer to MGC: 29-Feb-1916;

MGC Branch: Infantry;

MGC Unit: 34 Coy;

Date abroad: 17-Oct-1915;

Theatre of War: 2b;

How killed: KIA;

Where: France;

When killed: 25-Nov-1916;

Other Data: WO363(FMP)
photo: GS Archives

HEANOR OBSERVER
14TH DECEMBER 1916
HEANOR SOLDEIR'S LASTWORDS
ONE OF THE BEST AND BRAVEST
LANC-CORPL GAUNT KILLED BY SHELL FIRE
The death in action of lanc-Corpl Harold Gaunt of the Northumberland Fusiliers,
son of Mr and Mrs S. Gaunt, of Milward Rd Heanor, briefly notified in our last issue,
has caused widespread regret among his many friends and acquaintances.
The news is not yet officially confirmed, but the following letter seemed sufficiently
definite on which to base the truth of the sad occurrence.
The letter from his officer is as follows:
France November 29th 1916
Dear Mrs Gaunt, It is my unhappy duty to have to write and tell you about the
death of your son Harold. He was Lance corporal in my section, and one of the best
and certainly most loved men in this company, for he was always so kind and
thoughtful to other men of perhaps less strong character. He was killed by shellfire
on the 24th of this month. The shell fell into the gun pit of which he with three men
was in charge, and wounded two other men also. His last words before he died
were "Mother Mother" and I feel the parting with such a dear son and such a fine
fellow will be very hard for you to bear my heartfelt sympathies are with you in
your loss, and I can only implore you to show that courage which your son always
showed and would wish you to show in your sad separation it is one of the unhappy
facts of the war that it always seems to be the best and bravest that are taken.
With kind regards and sympathy
W.S.Broadbent Lieut.
A letter from his comrade Pte S. Forrest shows the esteem in which lance corporal
Gaunt was held:
I write on behalf of myself and section offering you and family our deepest
sympathy in the great loss you have sustained by the death of your son Harold, I think
the best consolation you can have is in the fact that you will meet again in the next
world, if ever anyone ever deserved to go to Heaven he did. He was the most honest
and best principled chap I ever dropped across in my fifteen years service, and all
the section think the same.I can voice the feeling of the section towards him in the
words of his section officer "That’s the best lad in the company gone" two more lads
were wounded by the same shell, and they say the only word he said was "mother”
so I don’t think he could have suffered any pain. The section buried him very decently
and I will let you know later the spot where your dear son and the best comrade we
ever had lies. Believe me the whole section is with you in your bereavement.
The dead soldier was 25 years of age, and had been abroad since April 1915, He went
first to Gallipolis, then to Egypt, and finally to France. Where he met his tragic fate his
last letter arrived on November 18th.
His severance by death with the Park St P M Church is greatly felt. As stated last week,
he was secretary of the Church and filled other important offices. Lance Corporal Gaunt
was also a local preacher on the plan of the Ilkeston Circuit and a most sympathetic letter
has been received by the parents from the Rev. 3. Walton, circuit minister.
He was also a good Templar, and was indeed, ever ready to ally himself and work for
any good cause. His death is a district loss to the town. The parents and family desire
us to express their extreme gratitude for the very many messages of regret and
sympathy which have reached them from all quarters and which they find it impossible
personally to acknowledge.;

Other Notes: GAUNT, Private, HAROLD, 39463. 34th Coy. Machine Gun Corps (Inf). 25th November 1916. Pier and Face 5 C and 12 C. Thiepval Memorial - Somme, France.

NOK: mother - Mrs Clara Gaunt, Millward Rd, Loscol, Codnor, Derbys & 14 Thompson Ave, New Edlington, Doncaster;

Is photo available? Yes, see VMGCRA Patreon

END OF RECORD.

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