Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"FIGHTING MACS.

Another D.C.M., has been awarded to a Wallaroo boy, and it again comes to a Mac in the person of Private Isaac McLean, a lad of 19 years of age. Young McLean is a general favorite in the town, and the honor is no surprise, as he was always regarded as a brave lad. As a cadet he took most unkindly to military training, but on joining the A.I.F. soon developed the characteristics of an Australian soldier. The only reference the young soldier makes to the honor is contained in a few lines written on a postcard which read :—

"You will be much surprised to know that I have been awarded the Military Medal. General Birdwood decorated me with the ribbon this morning, and I shall receive the medal in a few days. I won it the night we charged. I shall send you a piece of the ribbon next mail."

His father, who is 64 years of age, attempted to join his son at the camp, and was actually entering the camp grounds when a doctor, to whom he was well known in Wallaroo, divalged his correct age, and he was refused admission. Another brother is on active service, and is now in an English hospital, severely wounded. A third brother has several times been rejected on account of being minus several fingers. He, however, passed the test at the recent call up, and positively refused to go elsewhere than into the A.I.F., and journeyed to Adelaide last week to enlist. The fourth and elder brother is a cripple, and often expresses a desire to be doing his bit. The mother died several years ago, and home has been kept together by a young daughter. Mr Roderick McLean, who has just joined the A.I.F., has contributed a number of poems on the war to the local press, with a view to encourage recruiting. The family are true Scots, and are keen on doing their duty in the great war." - from the Kadina and Wallaroo Times 18 Oct 1916 (nla.gov.au)

"Private R. J. McLean, of Wallaroo, who has enlisted in the expeditionary forces, denies that he came from the Balaklava conscript camp, as stated in the list of recruits supplied by the Defence Department. He says that he enlisted while a civilian on the occasion of his fourth, attempt to enter the forces." - from the Adelaide Daily Herald 16 Nov 1916 (nla.gov.au)

At Wallaroo on January 3 1919 a public welcome was given to RJ McLean, Sergeant A Glover, Private Chilman, T Allen, and J Owen. the Mayor, ex-Mayor and Mr J Dargan, from Returned Soldiers Association, welcomed the guest. After the welcomed in the Institute, the soldiers and their relatives and friends were entertained by the Cheer-up Ladies members in the Parish hall.