CAUNT B.

Ben Caunt  D.C.M., M.M.

Private 13791

1st Bn., Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regt.)

Ben Caunt died on Tuesday 31 July 1917, and was commemorated on the YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

He was born on 16th January 1894, at Church Street, Sutton, to parents Benjamin & Frances Caunt. Benjamin Caunt was a Labourer, and later a Manure Manufacturer, who married Frances Maiden at St John, Mansfield, in May 1880. Benjamin Caunt was also born in Sutton-in-Ashfield, while his wife was a native of Nottingham.

Ben Caunt was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in September 1916 The reverse of the medal states ~ "For distinguished conduct in the field"

From 'British Gallantry Awards - the Sherwood Foresters', compiled by C. Housley

D.C.M. Caunt, Ben. Private 13791: 1st Batallion: London Gazette 1.9.1916, For gallantry and devotion to duty on the 5th July 1916, when in the attack on the German positions close to the Albert-Poziers Road, near La Boiselle. (Killed in action 31.7.1917)

M.M.  Caunt, Ben. Private 13791: 1st Batallion, later 1st Garrison Batallion: London Gazette 11.5.1917: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an attack on a ridge immediately South of St Pierre Vaast Wood on 4.3.1917, he rushed a traverse which was held by the enemy, and, single handed, succeeded in capturing seven prisoners. He set a fine example to all ranks. (Killed in action 31.7.1917)

Notts Free Press - Sutton's Roll of Honour - 10th January 1919

Caunt, Private Ben, Sherwood Foresters.

From ‘Soldiers who died in the Great War 1914-19 – Part 49 The Sherwood Foresters’

BEN CAUNT. Born Sutton-in-Ashfield, Enlisted Mansfield (resides Sutton-in-Ashfield) 1st Bn., Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regt.). Private 13791, Killed in Action France & Flanders 31st July 1917.

BACK TO WWI NAMES

Researched by Helen Wilson and Heather Faulkes