- SURNAME
Vaughan
- FORENAME
Henry Albert
- UNIT
Royal Army Ordnance Corps
- RANK
Warrant Officer Second Class
- NUMBER
22954554
- AWARD
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
- PLACE
Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands 1968
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
London Gazette 44528, 16th February 1968, Page 2071
CITATION:
Member of the Order of the British Empire : Major Mitchell and Warrant Officer Yaughan undertook a reconnaissance of Hell's Point and the Henderson Airfield Extension Area on Guadalcanal during the period 10th June to 6th July 1967, to assess the problems involved in the clearance of World War II ammunition in these areas.
Hell's Point is the site of an American ammunition depot in which, during 1948 and again in 1953, there were series of explosions lasting several days. On these occasions several people were killed and a large quantity of ammunition was scattered around the area. The Henderson Airfield Extension Area was an American defensive position, on which there are still the remnants of gun sites and ammunition dumps.
The ammunition remaining in these two areas is scattered, often concealed by dense undergrowth and sometimes just below the surface. Ammunition of all types was found in varying stages of deterioration, including large quantities of fused high explosive shell, mortar bombs, grenades, Bangalor torpedoes; some filled with white phosphorus and some Naval shells and Aircraft bombs. Much of the ammunition was still in a potentially dangerous state. Some fuse had almost disintegrated leaving strikers poised over magazines without the protection of the safety devices; other fuses were exuding dangerous and extremely sensitive explosive compositions. Additionally, some shells and bombs were unstable, having been involved in previous detonations. Some grenade strikers were held back only by rust, whilst certain shells filled with white phosphorus burst into flame on moving. Detonations are commonplace and are an accepted part of the life of the inhabitants. Major Mitchell and Warrant Officer Vaughan were thus well aware of the likelihood of further explosions and these did occur during their work. Major Mitchell took charge of the situation and with Warrant Officer Vaughan, proceeded coolly and with great fortitude to do a detailed reconnaissance of Hell's Point, estimating that approximately 5,000 tons of ammunition still remained there to be cleared.
At Henderson Airfield, Major Mitchell, in order to avoid the possibility of injury to civilians and danger to property, decided to extend the team's stay and clear this area of ammunition. This was achieved in three weeks but only by working very long hours under extremely adverse and exacting conditions. In all, 12,000 shells, bombs, grenades, and mines were removed from this area and dumped in the sea by Major Mitchell and Warrant Officer Vaughan. However, forty-seven projectiles, including "blinds", were destroyed in situ because they were too dangerous to move. Much of the ammunition had to be moved by hand, holding it centrally in the horizontal position in order to prevent any contact of fuse strikers with the sensitive explosives and to minimise the effects of any sudden movement. This was hazardous work carried out without regard to their own safety. Local inhabitants, provided to assist, were only allowed to handle ammunition which was entirely safe.
Throughout this operation, Major Mitchell, remote from any superior authority or source of advice and never knowing the extent of the danger embodied in any one projectile, took difficult decisions and assumed heavy responsibilities , thereby demonstrating exceptional initiative, resourcefulness and prowess. He was supported throughout and without hesitation by Warrant Officer Vaughan.
Hell's Point is the site of an American ammunition depot in which, during 1948 and again in 1953, there were series of explosions lasting several days. On these occasions several people were killed and a large quantity of ammunition was scattered around the area. The Henderson Airfield Extension Area was an American defensive position, on which there are still the remnants of gun sites and ammunition dumps.
The ammunition remaining in these two areas is scattered, often concealed by dense undergrowth and sometimes just below the surface. Ammunition of all types was found in varying stages of deterioration, including large quantities of fused high explosive shell, mortar bombs, grenades, Bangalor torpedoes; some filled with white phosphorus and some Naval shells and Aircraft bombs. Much of the ammunition was still in a potentially dangerous state. Some fuse had almost disintegrated leaving strikers poised over magazines without the protection of the safety devices; other fuses were exuding dangerous and extremely sensitive explosive compositions. Additionally, some shells and bombs were unstable, having been involved in previous detonations. Some grenade strikers were held back only by rust, whilst certain shells filled with white phosphorus burst into flame on moving. Detonations are commonplace and are an accepted part of the life of the inhabitants. Major Mitchell and Warrant Officer Vaughan were thus well aware of the likelihood of further explosions and these did occur during their work. Major Mitchell took charge of the situation and with Warrant Officer Vaughan, proceeded coolly and with great fortitude to do a detailed reconnaissance of Hell's Point, estimating that approximately 5,000 tons of ammunition still remained there to be cleared.
At Henderson Airfield, Major Mitchell, in order to avoid the possibility of injury to civilians and danger to property, decided to extend the team's stay and clear this area of ammunition. This was achieved in three weeks but only by working very long hours under extremely adverse and exacting conditions. In all, 12,000 shells, bombs, grenades, and mines were removed from this area and dumped in the sea by Major Mitchell and Warrant Officer Vaughan. However, forty-seven projectiles, including "blinds", were destroyed in situ because they were too dangerous to move. Much of the ammunition had to be moved by hand, holding it centrally in the horizontal position in order to prevent any contact of fuse strikers with the sensitive explosives and to minimise the effects of any sudden movement. This was hazardous work carried out without regard to their own safety. Local inhabitants, provided to assist, were only allowed to handle ammunition which was entirely safe.
Throughout this operation, Major Mitchell, remote from any superior authority or source of advice and never knowing the extent of the danger embodied in any one projectile, took difficult decisions and assumed heavy responsibilities , thereby demonstrating exceptional initiative, resourcefulness and prowess. He was supported throughout and without hesitation by Warrant Officer Vaughan.
WEB LINKS:
• https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/44528/supplement/2071NATIONAL ARCHIVES:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7637033
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