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Admiral Sir Ernest Gaunt was a senior Commander in the British Fleet and Aide-de-Camp to King George V. Gaunt began his naval career at the age of 13 as a cadet on HMS Britannia in England. As a Sub-Lieutenant aboard HMS Nelson he had the privilege of hoisting the British flag when the British Protectorate over New Guinea was proclaimed. He then served as a First Lieutenant on an armoured cruiser.

At the turn of the century Gaunt was a Commissioner and Administrator in China. There he was commended by the German and Austrian Commanders-in-Chief for his service during the Boxer Rebellion.

In 1903, following the death of an Italian naval officer in Somaliland, he led a landing party and was severely wounded. Promoted to Captain, Gaunt commanded the battleships HMS Majestic, HMS Queen and HMS Superb.

In 1913 he became Commodore of the Royal Naval Barracks in England and was appointed Aide-de-Camp to King George V. A Rear Admiral during First World War's Battle of Jutland, Gaunt commanded the 1st Battle Squadron of the Fleet from the flagship HMS Colossus.

After serving as Commander-in-Chief of the East Indies he was promoted to Vice Admiral and then in 1924 was made Admiral. In his highly distinguished naval career Gaunt received many honours, including the Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath and the Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He was also Chairman of the English branch of The Old Melburnians.