John Gordon MACLEAN

Regimental number3288
Place of birthHamilton, Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationGrazier
Address'Teasland', Branxholme, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinFather, Duncan Maclean, 'Teasland', Branxholme, Victoria
Enlistment date1 February 1916
Place of enlistmentHamilton, Victoria
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name29th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/46/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A35 Berrima on 4 July 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll32nd Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 23 June 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in Victorian Garden of Remembrance
Medals

Military Medal

'During the operations near ASSEVILLERS on 29th August 1918. When the 29th Battalion went forward through 32nd Battalion Privates [4062 S. Mc.] HUTCHESON and MacLEAN did exceptionally fine work under heavy Machine gun and shell fire. After advancing three kilos. all the available cable ran out. They then salvaged enemy cable and connected it up. by this means they established a direct line through from Brigade Headquarters to over 200 yards in front of BARLEUX when the cable again ran out. Leaving a telephone and some men at the end of the cable Privates HUTCHESON and MacLEAN again pushed forward with advancing parties to a rise 1000 yards ahead and got into communication with the men at the end of the cable by means of a Lucas Lamp. At this time the rise was subjected to heavy and continuous shelling and Machine Gun fire, being under direct observation by the enemy. Notwithstanding this they stuck to their posts and the Battalion was able to keep in direct communication with Brigade Headquarters right throughout the operation.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death31 December 1979