The second battle of the Scarpe took place on the 23rd-24th April 1917, a phase of the Arras
Offensive, in which the Division captured Gavrelle, and this must have been where Vaughan was
killed. By the time this unique Division was demobilised in April 1919 it had suffered over 47,900
casualties.
(Is there a war on?)
During this time Vaughan's family had moved to Porthcawl and in the local press it is reported even
though there is a War on,
“Is there a war on? The streets of Porthcawl on Whit Monday did not give the impression that such
was the case. Trains arriving were packed, hotels and boarding houses were full and large numbers
came by car, horse conveyances and cycle”.
On June 3rd in the same year, the company of the Grand Lodge and Freemasonry officers
assembled to consecrate the Venebles Llewelyn lodge at New Road, Porthcawl. Among the offices
installed was Frederick Vaughan Cleves of 39 Fenton Place, as treasurer. His son Reginald was
initiated at the first meeting, but sadly did not live to further his career in the Freemasons as he was
killed on 23rd April aged 21.
On the Roll of Honour it states “In proud and ever-loving memory of Reginald Vaughan CLEVES,
Sub-Lieutenant RNVR “Hood” Battalion, only child of Lieutenant-colonel F Vaughan and Mrs
Cleves of Penarth who was killed in action in Garvelle, o St George’s Day 1917. Also Charles
Edward CLEVES, younger brother of Lieutenant-colonel Cleves, Chief Officer who was torpedoed
and sunk in the SS Torrington 8th April 1917 RIP”
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