Warrant Officer Class 2 Malcolm B J Baughan MM

Malcolm Brian Jack Baughan served as one of the original members of the Red Devils Free Fall Display Team and received two gallantry awards during a distinguished career with The Parachute Regiment.

‘Jackie’ Baughan initially served with 2 PARA and had reached the rank of Lance Corporal when he joined The Parachute Regiment Free Fall Display Team in its first season in 1964.

He returned to 2 PARA as a Corporal and deployed to Borneo in 1965, after jungle training in Singapore.

In March 1965, 2 PARA, under the command of Lt Col Eberhardie, relieved the 1st Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. B Company's forward base at Plaman Mapu was a strong point of linked trenches defended by two 3 inch mortars and three GPMGs, supported by 105mm guns but overlooked by the border ridge 1000 metres away. The company had just received a young platoon direct from training and 'Jackie' Baughan was the acting Platoon Sergeant.

The small and vulnerable outpost posed an attractive target and increased enemy activity within the company's area soon became evident. On the night of 27 April, when the new platoon was deployed in the forward base, a force of approximately 150 Indonesian troops launched an attack at 1.15 am in pitch darkness.

'Jackie' Baughan played a key part in helping to repel this attack, and two other attacks before dawn. He was subsequently awarded the Military Medal for his bravery.

By the mid 1970s 'Jackie' Baughan had been promoted to Colour Sergeant and was posted as a Permanent Staff Instructor (PSI) with Support Company,10 PARA (V), in Aldershot.

In 1976  he was posted to 3 PARA and saw active service with Support Company and B Company in Northern Ireland. His actions on the tour were recognised with a Mention in Despatches.

‘Jackie’ Baughan died on Wednesday 23 January 2013 in Basingstoke.