[1] He was born the son of Richard Dauntsey of Wilsford, Wiltshire and was knighted by 1361.
He entered the service of Edward, Lord Despenser and probably fought with him in his overseas campaigns, including in Brittany.
After Despenser's death in 1375, he sailed in 1387 with Admiral Richard Fitzalan, Earl of Arundel to fight the French.
He was a Member (MP) of the Parliament of England for Wiltshire in 1378, 1379, 1381, May 1382, October 1382 and February 1388.
He was succeeded by their eldest son, also Sir John Dauntsey.