Lt. Col. Charles Edward Vaughan OBE

This message was edited 13 times. Last update was at 05/12/2012 18:53:35

When visiting the Commando Memorial , you may also wish to visit Kilmonivaig Church in Spean Bridge where there is a plaque in memory of Charles Vaughan. Looks a very peaceful little church as can be seen by the photo attached here. The photo of the plaque (courtesy of the Scottish War Memorials Project) is now in the gallery on this link :
http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/Commando+War+Graves+Memorials+and+Plaques/memorial+to+Lt_+Col_Charles+Edward+Vaughan+OBE.jpg.html

Thought I would just add a quote from Donald Gilchrist in his book Castle Commando where he writes a forward note to the 'Colonel' . He ends by saying:
" But it is to you, Charles, that we who counted it an honour to serve you, wish to show our appreciation. You made us fit to fight. You taught us the art of living in a world at war, and to laugh in the most perilous circumstances. What we were - if we were anything - we owe in great measure to you."

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 21/03/2010 16:07:26

Just thought I would update you with some information I received when I made enquiries about the plaque at the time of posting this originally. I quote partially from an email I recvd today:
" Hello Pete,
My Name is Mary Collier, you rang me about a year ago to inquire if I knew anything about the memorial plaque to Col Vaughan on Kilmonivaig Parish Church. I got in touch with the Session Clerk to see if there was any information in the Session book. I got the answer three days ago!!.
Nothing ever happens quickly in the Highlands.
There are two references and I quote.
1) After a lengthy discussion on the siting of the Commando Association's Memorial Plaque to the late Brigadier General Vaughan who was in Command at Achnacarry during the Second World War, and after hearing Mr. Neil's eloquent reminder of what this nation owes to the men of the Commando Battalions. It was agreed that the representatives of the memorial committee should have the choice of one of three sites. One inside the Church building on the wall below the Rose Window and two on the outside walls of the church. The first close to the main entrance, the second on the Vestry wall facing the main gate.
2) Mr. Neil outlined the order of service for the Dedication of the Memorial Plaque to Lieu Col. Vaughan on Sunday 10th November 1968.
The Mr. Neil mentioned was the Rev. Mr. Neil, minister at that time, and now deceased.
Apparently that was all that was entered in the Session book, it gives no clue as to why the Commando Association chose to have the Plaque on Kilmonivaig Church. The only thing that I can think of is that quite a number of the old Commandos of that time worshiped in Kilmonivaig Church on Armistice Sunday at 11am. so maybe that had something to do with their choice of site for the plaque."

My thanks to Mary Collier for her help

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 09/10/2013 18:01:39

I was recently asked by Jack Bakker if there was more information about Lieut. Colonel Charles Vaughan OBE, especially post war. Regrettably there seemed to be very little. I have put together what I have found and would ask if anyone else has specific information about him to add it here.

Charles Edward Vaughan was born in 1893 and died in 1968.

In his book It had to be Tough, Jimmy Dunning says of him

" A Veteran of the First World War and the Retreat from Mons in 1914. In the inter war years he graduated from Drill Sergeant to RSM, but he was much more than just a bawling barrack square man, although he could do that if needed. His obvious military potential as an officer was recognised and he was duly commissioned. A Londoner by birth and proud of it, Charlie's standards for soldiers and soldiering were set by his long service in war and peace. He accepted nothing but the best, whether it be in fitness, training, weaponry and musketry, fieldcraft and tactics, drill and turnout, or even in the more apparently mundane matters of administration which included feeding and hygiene. Together all these factors made the 'whole' - and the self disciplined and reliant Commando soldier 'fit to fight' and 'fighting fit' with high morale, willing and capable of tackling any military task, under any circumstances, and against any odds"

RSM C E Vaughan, 2nd Bn The Buffs (East Kent Regiment), RSM from 1926-1935

To be A Member of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order

Warrant Officer, Class I., Regimental Sergeant-Major Charles Edward Vaughan, 2nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment).

THE LONDON GAZETTE, JUNE 1, 1934
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/34056/pages/3563
and
THE EDINBURGH GAZETTE, JUNE 8, 1934.
http://www.edinburgh-gazette.co.uk/issues/15076/pages/487/page.pdf

The Buffs. Charles Edward VAUGHAN, M.B.E. (142142), to be Lieutenant 22nd July 1940

SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 20 AUGUST, 1940
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/34926/supplements/5081

I have seen reference to him serving in No.7 and No.4 Commando before taking up his role as the Commandant of the newly formed Commando depot at Achnacarry

Post war he was associated throughout the remainder of his life with the original Commando Association.

Here is a quote from Henry Brown

The Old Comrades Association of the Special Service Brigade, later amended to the Old Comrades Association of the Army Commandos, was formed on the 20th June 1943 at the Commando Basic Training Centre at Achnacarry by the Commandant, Lt Col Charles Vaughan OBE, who as Founder member was given membership Number One

He was also involved in the formation of the Commando Benevolent Fund

to assist or benefit persons who have served at any time in the Army Commandos or being dependents, wives, widows or issue of such person, being in need of assistance"

To be Additional Officers of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order (OBE)

Lieutenant-Colonel (temporary) Charles Edward VAUGHAN, M.B.E. (142142), The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment).

SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 13 JUNE, 1946
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37598/supplements/2771

The Association was later renamed The Army Commandos Association and finally ended being known by everyone simply as The Commando Association. The early administration was done by available staff at the CBTC. In 1946 it was more formally structured and the 1st President of the Association was Brigadier Durnford Slater DSO from 1946/47.

Lieut. Colonel C.E. Vaughan OBE was President of the Association on the following years 1947/48, 1953/54/55, and 1963/64/65.

On June 6th 1964 during the ceremonies in Ouistreham commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the D Day Landings, the Commando Memorial window at the church of St Sampson was unveiled by Lieut. Colonel Vaughan. The window had been donated by the Association to the people of Ouistreham as a token of appreciation for their continued hospitality and kindness to Commando Veterans attending D Day Anniversaries.

In January 1965 Lieut. Colonel Charles Vaughan OBE represented the Association at the funeral service in St Paul's Cathedral for Sir Winston Churchill.

He died in April 1968

I repeat the quote from Donald Gilchrist in his book Castle Commando where he writes a forward note to the 'Colonel'. He ends by saying:

" But it is to you, Charles, that we who counted it an honour to serve you, wish to show our appreciation. You made us fit to fight. You taught us the art of living in a world at war, and to laugh in the most perilous circumstances. What we were - if we were anything - we owe in great measure to you."

Thank you very much Pete!

I am looking forward to any specific information about him, especially post war. Thanks in advance!