Duncan McLEAN

Regimental number9/383
AddressLady Barkly
Marital statusSingle
Next of kinDonald McLean, Killearnan, Ross-shire, Scotland
Rank on embarkationTrooper
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 16 October 1914
Three squadrons of the Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment left New Zealand on board 'Hawke's Bay', and one squadron on board 'Verdala'. From the Nominal Roll it is not possible to determine on which ship an individual embarked.
Final rank2nd Lieutenant
Final unit2nd Battalion, Otago Infantry Regiment
FateAccidentally killed (shot by soldier) 3 March 1918
Place of burialHondeghem Churchyard (Row A, Grave No 1), Hondeghem, Hazebrouck, Nord, France
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: Donald and Ann McLean, Parkton, Killearnan, Ross-shire, Scotland
Medals

Military Medal

'Operations Gravenstafel - 29th September to 5th October 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. As Transport Sergeant during operations in the Wieltje Sector on the 29th September 1917, when returning with his Transport after delivery of rations to the troops, the rear wagons were heavily shelled and two Cookers with their teams were overturned and tangled up. He at once galloped to the scene of the disaster and owing to his cool judgement and complete control, Cookers and Teams were extracted without loss of life or damage. He has always shown great initiative, especially during operations and it is owing to his careful judgement that the men of the Battalion have always received their rations and water however heavy shellfire may be.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 17 December 1917

Mentioned in Despatches

'Honours Despatch for Period 22nd September, 1917, to 24th February, 1918 (inclusive).'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 28 May 1918

Mentioned in Despatches

'Operations Messines: 7th to 12th June 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. As Transport Sergeant to his Battalion, this non commissioned officer displayed most conspicuous gallantry and contempt of danger when in command of a section of the Battalion Transport. He brought up water and rations through a heavily shelled area, and by his coolness and judgement, did invaluable work in maintaining the supply of water and rations during the whole operations.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 28 December 1917

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, Bitish War Medal, Victory Medal
Miscellaneous detailsNominal Roll Vol. 1: Otago Mounted Rifles/Main Body