Clarence Lloyd McLean, DCM - 844844
- Sean Maas-Stevens
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
Clarence Lloyd McLean was born on 11 February 1898 to William and Emily McLean at Saint Clair, Michigan. He enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 5 March 1916 at Brigden, Ontario, and started as a Private with the 149th Overseas Battalion.
Private McLean deployed to England on 17 October 1917 aboard the S.S. Metagana and was posted to Bramshott. He was briefly promoted to Acting Lance Corporal before reverting back to Private. In March 1918, he was posted to the 1st Overseas Battalion. On 31 August 1918, he was wounded, described as a “superficial” gunshot wound to his left arm. (Ref A)
In early December 1918, Private McLean was posted to Kinmel Park Camp awaiting return to Canada.
On 21 December 1918, Private McLean was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for service in the field. He received the medal in January of 1919. The citation read (Ref B):
“844844 Pte. C.L. McLean, Infy.
“During an attack this man, with some of his platoon[,] worked his way up to an enemy [strong] post. He then rushed it, capturing three machine guns, two light trench mortars and three prisoners, besides inflicting heavy losses on those who retreated. His courage and dash set a splendid example to the men working with him.”
The Distinguished Conduct Medal was the second highest award for gallantry at the time, second only to the Victoria Cross. (Ref C)
Private McLean returned to Canada and was discharged on 24 January 1919, with the intent to return to Wilkesport, Ontario. While unable to find his grave, the grave of a William McLean and several of his children are all in the Wilkesport Cemetery.
References:
Comments