Village’s timely gift for war hero

Wounded but still manned machine gun

Balfron villagers were out in force 100 years ago to pay tribute to one of their wartime heroes.

Cpl Alexander McLean was honoured for the bravery he showed in winning the Distinguished Conduct Medal while serving in Mesopotamia (Iraq).

A solid silver watch and chain and wallet containing war securities were handed over to the modest soldier during the ceremony, organised by the parish council, at the Shepherd’s Hall.

Rev Turner, who presided, spoke of the “noble sacrifice” which many had made during the conflict and said soldiers from Britain were fighting “not for the extension of territory nor for material aggrandisement but for the vindication of those moral and spiritual principles which are dearer than life itself ”.

He praised the progress made by Allied forces against the Turks in Mesopotamia before the audience learned of the incident which led to the bravery award for Cpl McLean.

It occurred about 10 miles from Baghdad and after two days of marching, British Forces carried out a dawn attack on the Turks. Cpl McLean, in charge of a machine gun team, was wounded but continued to man his gun until 3pm that afternoon when his superior officer ordered him to retire to a dressing station. He was on the sick list for a month.

The inscription on the watch read: `Presented to Cpl Alex McLean (along with a sum of money) by the inhabitants of Balfron and District in recognition of his having received the DCM for conspicuous bravery and endurance while of active service in Mesopotamia. Balfron 22nd of March, 1918.’

In response, Cpl McLean admitted he was no public speaker and insisted he had only done his duty. His comments were greeted with loud cheers and a hearty rendition of `He’s a jolly good fellow.’