|
Captain J E M Ault
Late Grenadier Guards
by John J Buckland Esq
|
John Ault, who has died in Bangkok Hospital, Thailand aged 91, was born on 27th July 1923. His father, Lieutenant Colonel J E M (Squad) Ault OBE, served in the Grenadier Guards in both World Wars. John was educated at Belmont Abbey School where he was head boy. Despite an attack of polio, he was commissioned in the Grenadier Guards in March 1944 and was posted to the Training Company at Windsor, responsible at that time for the immediate protection of the Royal Family. He was ordered by his Commanding Officer to attend dancing classes, so that he could partner Princesses Elizabeth, who had complained that young officers frequently trod on her toes. He served with 6th Battalion, the Guards Depot and then various appointments on the Intelligence Staff in BAOR involved in studies relating to nuclear fallout.
John left the Army in 1947 and took up an appointment with the Foreign Office, initially in London and subsequently in the Far East where he became a specialist in Asian affairs. In retirement he published A Study of Ceramic Chinese Snuff Bottles in three parts and took up residence in Thailand. A constant gardener and keen amateur lepidopterist, herpetologist, ornithologist, and botanist, he created a living legacy in the gardens at Pala-U Scenic Park just outside Hua Hin. He remained a member of the 1st Guards Club throughout his life and one of his final requests was that his Regiment should be informed of his passing. He married first, in 1946, Suzanne Benoidt. He married secondly, in 1970, Penny Treebumroong. He leaves two daughters and a son.
|
|
