Lt-Col VAUGHAN has led his Battalion, and subsequently his Column,
with conspicuous enterprise and success for four months. This period
covered numerous engagements with the enemy. Lt-Col Vaughan led his
Battalion in the attack at MAWLU, on 13 April 1944, at YWATHIT on 1
May 44, and he contrived the large scale road block south of MAWLU
which was maintained for the three days 16/18 April 1944, and which
led to the killing of over 40 of the enemy, the destruction of
several lorries and capture of some prisoners.At this period,
owing to a change in role, the Battalion was very deficient in
wireless, mules and weapons. Such, however, was Lt-Col Vaughan's
confidence and leadership that these engagements were successfully
concluded and won the commendation of Brigadier Calvert under whom
he was serving at the time, and established the reputation of West
African troops in Special Force.
Again at the KYUNSALAI PASS Lt-Col VAUGHAN came to the aid of 47
Column, which had just reached the Pass in the nick of time and
after a forced march, the leading platoons of his Column reached the
Pass at 0400 hrs. Early next day Lt-Col VAUGHAN was responsible for
pushing various detachments of Columns as as they arrived well down
the enemy's side so that the whole position was secure by the time
the remainder of 14 Brigade arrived. Subsequently for over a month
Lt-Col Vaughan commanded his Column after he had a serious wound in
the arm, received when going out on recce.
At NDAOGAHTAWNG on 4 July 1944 Lt-Col VAUGHAN's Column was
extended along a ridge in a series of platoon posts protecting a
supply drop when in contact with the enemy. The leading
platoons were necessarily some distance apart and were heavily
attacked frontally and from one flank. Lt-Col VAUGHAN in spite of
the handicap of his wound of the previous month, worked his way
forward at the critical moment just when the leading platoons were
about to withdraw and, by his coolness and encouragement , he
restored confidence and the positions were held. |
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