Page 37 - Cadet Review Spring 2021

ARMY CADET FORCES
HSY ACF
MAJOR PAUL MAUGHAN
By Lieutenant Colonel Fred Owen
As 2020 drew to a close HSY received some devastating news that one of our ACF family had passed away. Major Paul Maughan, who retired from the ACF in late 2013, passed away suddenly from an illness that was undiagnosed.
Before joining the Army Cadet Force Paul completed regular service in the Royal Pioneer Corps which served him well as later, he worked for Yorkshire Water as a Plant Operator.
He joined the ACF on the 1st May 1985 and served the Army Cadet Force for 28 years, being commis- sioned in 1991. He started his leadership journey at Hornsea Detachment and became the Detachment Commander. This was my first meeting with Paul as I joined the same unit on leaving the Army. Very quickly Paul became my mentor, my friend, and
a person who I looked up to. In 2007 we worked together again as he was promoted to Major and was appointed as Officer Commanding A Company with me as his Training Officer and Sheila, his wife, as his Admin Officer.
Like many volunteers Paul was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and Cadet Forces Medal. In 2009 he received his second clasp to the Cadet Forces Medal.
In 2007 Paul was recognised by HM Lord-Lieuten- ant of the East Riding of Yorkshire for service to the Army Cadet Force and the community he served in and was awarded a Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate.
Paul finally hung up his boots for the last time in August 2013, not before heading up the County Adult Development Team, leading a specialist team in promoting the induction process and supporting the
His legacy will live on in the adults and cadets in our community, the service personnel
he trained serving across the globe and his family
development of existing volunteers.
Of course, those who knew Paul knew it was also
a family affair. Sheila, his wife, served as an Adult Volunteer too and reached the rank of Captain. They were a formidable team working closely at Bransholme and Londesborough Detachments and in Company HQs; where their professionalism and dedication to the cadets shone through as a beacon to others.
We encounter many people in our lives, some who leave a legacy to those whose life he touched. If I were to describe Paul the man, I would describe him as a gentleman who loved life to the full. Describing him as a leader, he was honest in his approach,
fair to the core and made many friends through his leadership style.
As a family man he was dedicated to Sheila,
she described him as her best friend; and in early December Paul and Sheila celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary. Of course, Paul wore the trousers, but Sheila told him what pair to wear! Paul was totally dedicated to Chris, his son and daughter Lynsey and as they had children of their own, he became a doting granddad.
In Paul’s latter career he retired from Yorkshire Water, but not being ready to hang up his boots started as a new career as a Defence Driving Instructor at the Defence School of Transport where he stayed until his retirement.
His legacy will live on in the adults and cadets in our community, the service personnel he trained serving across the globe and his family. I will remember his smile, his compassion, his humour, and friendship.
CADET REVIEW SPRING 2021 37