Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Sergeant

Unit:

1st Seaforth Highlanders, 1st Indian Infantry Brigade, 23rd Indian Division, 4th Corps (1st Seaforth Highlanders, 1st Indian Infantry Brigade, 23rd Indian Division, 4th Corps)

Awarded on:

June 28th, 1945

Received in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.

Recommendation:
"Throughout operations against the Japanese lasting over a period of five months, this NCO did outstandingly well. During the whole period he showed powers of leadership, command and ability of a very high order. On the 15th of April 1944, at the village of KASOM he was in charge of a section when the whole weight of the Japanese immediate counter-attack fell on his part of the perimeter. He displayed remarkable coolness and courage and by his personal example so rallied and steadied his section that the Japanese were held and finally beaten off with heavy casualties. There is no doubt but that for his gallantry and cool disregard for danger a critical situation was averted. He had scarcely time to reorganise and certainly none to dig in when another wave of Japanese attacked his position. By the same spirited leadership he so inspired his section that the second onrush was driven off more decisively that the first. All that night the Japanese kept up his relentless pressure but Sgt Gaughan was equal to every demand made on him. Time after time he rallied and steadied his men to meet the Japanese as they tried everything they knew to penetrate the perimeter in the dark.
His company again took up the defence of the village on the night of 18 / 19 April and again under cover of darkness the enemy made determined and persistent attacks. This time they had covering fire from 3 inch mortars, the bombs of which were landing in the perimeter with great accuracy. Sgt Gaughan was wounded but with great devotion to duty insisted on remaining at his post to lead and inspire his section. He refused all attempts to have his wounds dressed until every enemy attack had been beaten off and the position stabilised. Next morning he was evacuated to the R.A.P. where he insisted on remaining for a few days rather than be evacuated to the rear. Later that week he rejoined his company where he found the during his absence, the platoon commander had been killed. He immediately took over command of his platoon and although inexperienced did remarkably well. He soon showed that the more responsibility he was given the more he rose to the occasion. At LAM-MU on the 24th April 1944, he was ordered to make a wide detour and come in on the village from the rear. Just as his platoon formed up for the attack hitherto unlocated enemy L.M.G. opened up on him from a nearby bunker. With remarkable presence of mind, and cool skill and superb judgement he switched a section to deal with it, without slowing up momentum of the attack pushed on to get to his original objective. By a display of skilful tacticts he was able to dispose of what might have been a real threat to his flank. From then onwards the men in the platoon under him had the greatest confidence in his leadership. At KHONGJOL on the 18th May 1944, and on MATITA on the 30th May 1944 he again proved himself to be a first rate leader, full of enthusiasm and the will to win through. It was however, on NIPPON on 24th July 1944 that he was at his best. His company was a leading company whose task it was to rush NIPPON and silently under the cover of darkness and so carry the position by surprise. To do this it was necessary to march two nights through appalling jungle through heavy rain and mist. Sgt Gaughan showed outstanding determination to overcome all obstacles of weather and terrain. It was entirely due to his personal example and leadership that the platoon was able to meet its appointed place on time. In the bayonet charge that followed he showed the same dash and gallantry and won through to his objective, inflicting heavy loss on the enemy. Throughout all these and other operations Sgt Gaughan displayed a devotion to duty, powers of leadership and complete disregard for personal danger that merits the highest commendation."

Recommended by:
Major /O.C. 1st Seaforth Highlanders 14/10/1944
Brigadier Comd. 1st Ind. Inf. Bde 15/10/1944
Brigadier Comd. 23rd Ind. Div. 17/10/1944
Lt-General Comd. IV Corps 29/10/1944
Lt Gen. G.O. C-in-Chief 14th Army 30/11/1944