John MACLEAN (from W.A.) 28th batallion

[Neil Todd]

The nameing pattern seems right for his second name being Donald as he had an older brother by the fathers first name. It would stand that his first name should be that of his Grandfather and his second that of his father. Of course if they followed nameing tradition.

I have never had any luck with the Scottish census showing second names but my scope is limited, perhaps someone with more knowlege would be able to answer why. Best is Baptism records.

Neil

[Newey]

Does this link to the Mt. Magnet cemetery help?

http://www.ozburials.com/CemsWA/Mount%20Magnet/MtMagnet.htm

[gregih]

Unfortunatly not Newey but you bought to my attention that John had listed his church as Presbytarian on his service record and the John Mclean buried in Mt Magnet is in the Church of England section. Do you think he may have changed his church to suit his wife if he married or for any other reason or may have just been a mix up somewhere? There is another website "Mt Magnet Cemetaries" that lists John Mclean. when I figure out how to add adresses to this post I will put it up here!

[Newey]

Having had a quick look at the WW11 airforce records on the National Archives of Australia website I found 3 Macleans who were born in W.A.

Is there a service number on the medals by any chance?

[gregih]

yeah I had a look there as well. the medal I have is more of a "lapel" or "badge" but it has a number engraved on the back.. 52928 and on the front it has had an additional number added in the form of a small brass plaque ..46 which may be a platoon number??? once again when I fgure out how to put a photo of it here I can show you...maybe I should ask the kids!!!

[q98]

Hi Ros
Hopefully some of the following can assist you return this gents medal/medals.

Following (my wording) extracted from Australian War Memorial records:
On 1 March 1915, John MacLean enlisted at Northam. He was noted as 31 years and 3 months of age, single, Labourer, Presbyterian. His NOK was noted as Duncan MacLean, father, Seaview House, Altandhu, Scotland. Embarked 9 June 1915 at Fremantle onboard His Majesty's Australian Transport (HMAT) Ascanius.

Following (again my wording) extracted from National Archives of Australia records:
Place of Birth Rothes, NOK Donald MacLean, living abroad. John was twice wounded in action; 26 Oct 1915 (left leg) apparently at Gallipoli and 3 May 1917 (neck & right shoulder) in France.  He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 24 October 1917. On 10 April 1919, he disembarked from HMAT Anchises at Albany and was subsequently discharged on 10 June 1919. He was awarded "1914/15 Star No. 5442", "British War Medal No. 3403" and "Victory Medal No. 3399".

See http://www.anzacday.org.au/education/medals/general/ww1.html

Q98 (also Scots by birth and Aussie ex-Serviceman)
Fremantle
WA

[rosball]

Hi Q98 
  Thanks for remotivating us in our search. 

  And Greg you can send photos by e-mail to me and I'll upload them.

regards,
   Ros

(I keep imagining John lying in the trenches or wounded in hospital and dreaming of being back in the peaceful beauty of Althandu - what a terrible contrast)

[gregih]

Ros, photo of "Victory" medal (John Maclean)
badges unknown owner but found with medal (more than likely a relation of John)
Any ideas on how to trace owner of badges greatly appreciated as may lead to Johns relatives.

[Newey]

Have you tried contacting the museum in Bullcreek W.A.  -   link listed below.

http://www.raafawa.org.au/museum/index.html

As there is a number on the back of the RAAF badge they may be able to give you an idea of how this can be traced.

Their email address on their website is  museum@raafawa.org.au 

Jan.