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The photo shows him in India as a second lieutenant of the 7th Hussars in 1893. On 31st March 1902 the column containing the 7th Hussars and the Queen's Bays defeated General Pretorious' Commando at Boschmans Kop, largely thanks to Major John Vaughan, the 7th Hussars Intellegence Officer. He had spent 6 nights observing the veldt, with a Boer guide and a black tracker, when he saw 25 Boers move into a derelict farm. By 1am he had led the Bays forward and scattered the Boer horse lines. Hearing the rattle of a cart he galloped off alone and captured General Pretorious. The Bays dug in, and at dawn the major was wounded in the knee. He also lost three horses in the ensuing battle, the first whilst he was checking pickets and the second as he led a withdrawal. His position was outflanked by a group of 150 Boers so he ordered his men to charge. Unfortunately the Bays had been stripped of their swords in the 'craze for mounted infantry'. In the nick of time, the 7th arrived and were able to put the Boers the flight with their swords. Vaughan's third horse was shot from under him as he rode back to Colonel Lawley. During his long and varied service in the Boer War he was severely wounded and served as ADC to the general officer commanding the cavalry division, and was DAAG.
1871 born 31st July |
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