MacLean, George

Date of birth:: November 29th, 1916 (Sydney Mines/Nova Scotia, Canada)
Date of death:: September 16th, 1996 (Middleton/Nova Scotia, Canada)
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

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Military Medal (MM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Trooper
Unit:: 14th Armoured Regiment (The Calgary Regiment), 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade

Recommendation:
Early on 12 May 1944, the second day of the crossing of the Liri River and the assault on the Gustav Line, a pre-fabricated Bailey Bridge mounted on the backs of two Sherman tanks was ready to be launched across the river at Map Reference 863145. Trooper MacLean, who had volunteered for the task of driving the leading tank, had trained arduously for many days in order to perfect the difficult task. In broad daylight, knowing that he would have to cover 500 yards of open ground approaching the river and that he would be in plain view of enemy anti-tank and gun positions, he unhesitatingly maneouvered the tank and bridge to the river bank. Without thought of the risk, he determinedly advanced the tank into the middle of the stream, despite the fact that the water was eight feet deep with a swiftly flowing current. A hail of enemy mortar and machine gun fire was directed at the tank and bridge, but in spite of this he succeeded in launching the bridge on the first attempt. He then climbed through the turret, swam ashore and rejoined his unit. His determination and cool handling of a difficult task proved to be of immense importance in the establishment of a bridgehead at this point.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 5 October, 1944.