Orders, Decorations and Medals

A North African Campaign M.C. group of six attributed to Captain Leslie MacLean, Royal Artillery

MILITARY CROSS, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1943', in its Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 STAR; AFRICA STAR; DEFENCE AND WAR MEDALS; TERRITORIAL DECORATION, E.II.R., reverse officially dated '1964', in its Royal Mint case of issue, all medals unnamed as issued, extremely fine (6)

M.C., London Gazette, 29 September, 1943: ‘On 30 Mar 1943 during the DJEBEL ABI OD operations, Captain L. MacLean, when in support 6 A & S Highlanders, had his carrier destroyed and his O.P.A. wounded. He obtained a second wireless set which his party had to carry into SEDJANANE as the bridge to the West of it was blown. In SEDJANANE one of his operators was wounded. On 31 Mar he followed up the 6 A & S carrying his set with the aid of Two O.R.s from that battalion and gave such support as was required until his O.P. was withdrawn to the battery. On 22 Apr Captain MacLean was ordered to establish an O.P. on SEBA ARGOUR in support of 128 Inf Bde's attack. This he was unable to do as that feature was not taken on 22 Apr, but he carried his set to a point near the feature known as PLOUGH TOP where he was under continued M.G. fire, and gave such support by observed fire as was asked from the medium battery, in particular destroying an M.G. Post on MEHALIA. On 11 May he established his O.P. on a ridge S. of the CRETE VILLE-GROMBALIA road without local protection, some seven hundred yds from eight enemy tanks. These withdrew as a result of the fire he brought to bear leaving four on the ground damaged and unable to move. At all times this officer has shown great determination to occupy his O.P. and bring supporting fire to bear however trying the circumstances.’