P. W. Vaughan
Percy William Vaughan | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Hereford, England |
| Died | 5 October 1945 (aged 74) |
| Occupation(s) | Army officer, bank executive |
| Years active | 1900–1937 |
| Known for | Australian Army officer and bank executive |
Percy William Vaughan (28 May 1871 – 5 October 1945), commonly referred to as Colonel Vaughan, was a prominent Australian Army officer and bank executive.
History
Vaughan was born in Hereford, England, as the second son of Reverend Canon John Vaughan and Annie Vaughan. At the age of ten, he relocated to Australia and completed his education at Sydney Grammar School.
He embarked on his banking profession with the City Bank of Sydney, where by 1903 he was managing the branch in Kiama, and by 1909 he had taken charge of the Newcastle branch. In 1914, Vaughan joined the Commonwealth Bank as the inaugural manager of its Newcastle office. He left this role in August 1915 to enlist for military duty abroad.
Vaughan’s military involvement began in 1900 with the Sydney Light Horse Volunteers during the Boer War. He steadily advanced through the ranks, attaining Major by 1912 and serving as Provost Marshal for Newcastle at the start of World War I. Later that year, he was commissioned into the First AIF, overseeing the New South Wales camp in Egypt before commanding a training unit in France with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Persistent laryngitis led to his repatriation and discharge in March 1918; nevertheless, he was honored with the rank of Colonel in May 1931.
Following his military service, Vaughan returned to banking leadership, assuming management of the Commonwealth Bank’s Hobart branch in April 1918, then transferring to oversee the Adelaide branch from June 1919. During that year, he also contributed to South Australia’s Central War Loan Committee. In September 1928, he moved to Melbourne to manage the local branch until his retirement in 1937.
Vaughan passed away at his residence in Toorak in 1945. His ashes were interred at Springvale Botanical Cemetery.
Other interests
- Held the position of honorary secretary at Braidwood Hospital in 1893.
- Volunteered as honorary secretary for several charitable campaigns including Lady Weigall's button day, Dr Barnado's Homes, and the Australian Olympic Federation appeal in 1928.
- While living in Adelaide, represented South Australia on the Australian Red Cross Council.
- Was affiliated with the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Senior Golfers' Association, and the Australian Club.
Family
On 26 September 1903, married Ellen Linda Montague Sandy (1883–1965), daughter of J. Montague Sandy and Evaline Martha Sandy.
- Kenneth Montague Vaughan (1906–1995), served as a Captain during WWII
- Mildred Evelyn Vaughan (1907–1993), wed William Hudson in 1946
- Phyllis Beatrice Vaughan (1910–1993), married John Holden Illingworth in 1945
In 1915, resided at "Blenheim," Burwood Rd, Burwood, Victoria—the Sandy family residence.