Private Ben Caunt

Army Number: 13791

Battalion: 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regiment.

Awards: M.M. (Military Medal), D.C.M. (Distinguished Conduct Medal)

Born at Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. Son of Ben and Frances Caunt, of 18 Church Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. He was a carter prior to enlisting 31st August 1914 He went to France on 25th August 1915. Awarded the Military Medal, London Gazette date, 1st September 1916, “For gallantry and devotion to duty on the 5th July 1916, when in the attack on the German positions close to the Albert – Pozieres Road, near La Boisselle”. Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, London Gazette date, 11th May 1917, “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an attack on a ridge immediately South of St Pierre Vaast Wood on 4th March 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”. He was killed in action near Bellewaarde Lake, Belgium 31st July 1917.

Commemorated: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Panel 39 and 41.