Sep 23, 1897

Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Nov 29, 1915

Attested into the 64^th Battalion in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Ø      Number 470976

Ø      Next of kin given as John E. McLean, father, 16 South Kline St., Halifax, Nova Scotia

Ø      Previous occupation given as Teamster

Ø      Previous military experience given as 2 years with the 63^rd Regiment, Halifax Rifles, Canadian Militia

Ø      Religion given as Church of England

Ø      Assigned to “C” Company

Mar 31, 1916

Embarked the SS Adriatic in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Apr 9, 1916

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and the battalion proceeded to the Caesar’s Camp, near Shorncliffe

Jul 6, 1916

The 64^th Battalion was absorbed into the 40^th Reserve Battalion in the Caesar’s Camp

Jul 12, 1916

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Jul 14, 1916

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France as part of a draft of 78 reinforcements from England and was TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion

Jul 30, 1916

Left the CBD to join his battalion

Aug 2, 1916

Joined the 21^st Battalion in billets in the Chippewa Camp near La Clytte, Belgium

Sep 15, 1916

During the 21^st Battalion’s advance at Courcelette, they had a German strong point in a sugar refinery as their objective.  The attack was the first time the battalion had advanced with tanks for support, and the fighting was very fierce.  Private McLean was killed during that advance and his body was never recovered from the battlefield.  As a result his name is honoured on the panels of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Vimy Ridge, France.

Following the war the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll were sent to his father, John Edward McLean, 46 South Kline St., Halifax, Nova Scotia

There was no Memorial Cross issued as his mother had predeceased him.