Lt-Colonel (temp) C.P. Vaughan D.S.O.

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.