Ploegsteert Memorial

Shields Daily News Wednesday 11th November 1914

Newcastle Journal Wednesday 11/11/1914

Medal Index Card

Harry Robert Vaughan the only son, was born on the 1st May 1885, in Dagshai, West Bengal, India, where his parents (Charles and Elizabeth Mary Vaughan) lived while his father served as a Sergeant with the 2nd Highland Light Infantry. On their return to South Shields they resided at 21 Roseberry Avenue, South Shields. Their previous address was 97 South Woodbine Street.

Harry Robert Vaughan joined the army at the age of 15, in the Connaught Rangers as a clerk in 1907, but went into the ranks and became a Company Sergeant Major, he left for France on the 8th September, he was in 'B' Company and a CSM. He was commissioned on the 1st October as a 2nd Lieutenant.

In 1899, Harry's father became a school attendance officer at South Shields.

He was killed in the First Battle of Ypres on the morning of the 27th October, 1914 by a German sniper along with another officer, Lieutenant Edmund Swetenham, 'B' Company, [who had only joined the Battalion the day before]. They were located at 'Rue do Bois' and the unit suffered a 10 day continuous bombardment by day and night as well as enemy snipers.

His death is recorded in Ireland's Memorial Records 1914-1918, page 218.

It reads simply : Vaughan, Harry Robert. Rank, 2nd Lieutenant, Connaught Rangers (attached Durham Light Infantry); killed in action, October 27, 1914.

His will was with his father and he left assets to the value of £220 12s 6d.

Harry Robert is remembered at Harton on H104.03

For further details see: The Steel of the DLI John Sheen. Pen and Sword Ltd. 2009. ISBN 9781848841437

South Shields Grammar School
The CWGC entry for 2nd Lieutenant Vaughan