Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. awarded to Sergeant D. H. McLean, 46th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for his gallantry as a Lewis Gunner in operations west of Belle Eglise, 18-19 September 1918. Earlier in the war a horse had fallen on his leg, forcing him to be invalided out service, however McLean re-enlisted and subsequently received a shrapnel wound to his right hand

Military Medal, G.V.R. (13821 L. Cpl. D. H. McLean 46/Aust: Inf.) suspension claw re-affixed, very fine £400-£500

M.M. London Gazette 17 June 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘For special gallantry and skill as Lewis gunner during the operations west of Belle Eglise on the 18th-19th September 1918. He was in charge of the Lewis gun section and led his section most ably forward, always pushing his gun forward to cover the advance. His masterly handling of the gun greatly assisted in the capture of the trench. At one period he was surrounded by the enemy and was in danger of being captured but by unexampled coolness and courage and brilliant handling of the Lewis gun, he forced the enemy to surrender. His work during consolidation was also very valuable.’

Donald Hector McLean was born in Chatham, Ontario, Canada in 1880. He served for over 3 years with the Royal North West Mounted Police in Canada prior to enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force in September 1914. McLean served with the 10th Australian Army Service Corps in Egypt from September 1915, and suffered injuries when a horse fell on his leg. After medical treatment McLean was invalided to Australia in May 1916, and ultimately discharged.

McLean re-enlisted for service with the A.A.S.C. at Sydney, 14 September 1916. He served with the 2nd Divisional Train in the French theatre of war from November 1917, and transferred to the 46th Australian Infantry Battalion in January 1918. McLean was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry as a Lewis gunner in operations west of Belle Eglise on the Somme, 18-19 September 1918.

McLean advanced to Sergeant, and was discharged, 29 September 1919.