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Signalman Twilight Adrian Vaughan: A Hero of the Dardanelles

Jacob Foster

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Signalman Twilight Adrian Vaughan was a British Royal Navy sailor who played a vital role in the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I. His heroic actions during the Battle of Gallipoli earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for gallantry in the face of the enemy. Vaughan's story is a testament to the courage and resilience of the men who fought in the Great War.

Signalman's Twilight

by Adrian Vaughan

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Language	:	English
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Early Life and Career

Twilight Adrian Vaughan was born in 1891 in Bedlington, Northumberland, England. He joined the Royal Navy in 1907 and served on several ships before being assigned to the battleship HMS Lord Nelson in 1915. The Lord Nelson was part of the Mediterranean Fleet and was deployed to the Dardanelles in April 1915.

The Gallipoli Campaign

The Gallipoli Campaign was a joint British and French operation to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. The campaign began in April 1915 with the landing of troops on the beaches of the peninsula. The Allied forces faced stiff resistance from the Turkish army and the campaign quickly became a stalemate.

Vaughan was part of a team of signallers who were responsible for communicating with the other ships in the fleet and with the troops on shore. During the Battle of Gallipoli, Vaughan's ship was heavily damaged and he was ordered to abandon ship. He swam to shore and joined up with a group of Royal Marines who were fighting on the beach.

The Victoria Cross

On 25 April 1915, Vaughan was involved in a desperate fight against the Turkish forces. He was part of a small group of men who were holding a trench against a much larger enemy force. Vaughan manned a machine gun and fired continuously, repelling several Turkish attacks.

When his comrades were forced to retreat, Vaughan stayed behind to cover their withdrawal. He continued to fire his machine gun until he was wounded. He was eventually captured by the Turks but was later released in a prisoner exchange.

Vaughan's actions during the Battle of Gallipoli earned him the Victoria Cross. The citation for his award reads:

> "For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in action with the enemy at Gallipoli on the 25th April, 1915. Signalman Vaughan was one of a party of men who were holding a trench against a much larger body of the enemy, and when his comrades were forced to retire, he remained behind to cover their withdrawal. He worked his machine gun with great effect, repelling several attacks, until he was himself wounded and captured. His gallant conduct undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades."

Later Life and Legacy

After the Gallipoli Campaign, Vaughan continued to serve in the Royal Navy. He was promoted to Leading Signalman in 1916 and retired from the Navy in 1920. He settled in Bedlington, where he worked as a shipwright.

Vaughan died in 1974 at the age of 83. He is buried in Bedlington Cemetery. His Victoria Cross is on display at the Imperial War Museum in London.

Vaughan's story is a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of the men who fought in the Great War. His actions during the Battle of Gallipoli earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for gallantry in the face of the enemy. His legacy is one of bravery, determination, and selflessness.