Actions

Robert Alexander MacLean

From Our Contribution

Revision as of 20:56, 13 November 2019 by Linton (talk | contribs)
Robert Alexander MacLean
MacLean Robert Alexander.jpg
Personal Information
Date of Birth 4 Oct 1920
Place of Birth Kelmscott, Western Australia
Age at Enlistment 19 years, 9 months
Description 5'5" (1.65m) tall ; 119lbs
53.977 kg
; dark complexion ; brown eyes ; black hair ; scars on right wrist and left arm and little finger
Occupation Orchard hand
Religion Church of England
Address Rosehill Orchard, Roleystone, Western Australia
Next of Kin Mother , Katherine Lees MacLean
Military Information
Reg Number A53419
Date of Enlistment 22 Jul 1940
Rank Corporal
Military Movement
1st Departure from Australia
Journey Dates 9 Jun 1942 ‒ 11 Jun 1942
Transport Details SS Charon Perth to Carnarvon
Post War Details
Fate Remained in Australia
Medals War Medal 1939-45
Australian Service Medal 1939-45



War Service

Single at the time of his enlistment on 22 Jul 1940, he was mustered as a Trainee Cook and following a Recruit Drill Course between 24 Jul and 21 Aug 1940 at the NO 4 Recruit Depot Pearce he was sent to No 1 School of Technical Training in West Melbourne for a cooking course from 1 Oct to 17 Dec 1940. He remustered as a Cook on 18 Dec 1940 and was posted to the No 9 Elementary Flight Training School, at Cunderdin. There on 6 May 1941 he took part in a Anti Gas Course. While in Cunderdin he had two spells in their hospital, from 17 - 25 Jan 1941 and from 31 Jan to 3 Feb 1941.

On 29 Jul 1941 he was transferred to the No 5 Embarkation Depot Perth as a labourer, and on 20 Nov 1941 he was promoted to Leading Aircraftsman.

On 9 Jun 1942 Robert embarked on SS Charon in Fremantle for Carnarvon where he disembarked on 11 Jun 1942 as he had been transferred to No 71 Operational Base at Carnarvon, Western Australia where he was an Acting Corporal and mustered as a General Hand.

On 23 Jan 1943 he was posted to No 4 Aircraft Depot in Kalgoorlie, and although he was posted to the No 4 Central Recovery Depot on 15 Mar 1944 he was attached back to the No 4 Aircraft Depot until 4 Jun 1944. He was next attached to the 76 Operational Base Unit from 15 Jun 1944 until 18 Sep 1944, after which he returned to No 4 Central Recovery Depot until he was sent to 5th Personnel Depot for discharge on 3 Dec 1945. Robert had married Phyllis Margaret Muir on 20 Jan 1945.



Post War

Returned to civilian life, he was employed by Industrial Platers and Wst Australian Steel Products as a storeman.


Re-enlisted in the RAAF on 29 Jul 1954 for 6 years with dependants Phyllis Margaret, and two children. Robert was then mustered as an Equipment Assistant as during the period between his two service periods he had been employed as a storeman. On 12 Aug 1954 he was posted to 1 RTU, and from 1 Sep 1954 to 24 Nov 1954 he attended Recruit Training Course No 341.


From 26 Nov 1954 until 20 Feb 1955 he was with 1AD, after which he was posted to B/S Pearce. On 21 Nov 1955 ARobert was promoed to Leading Aircraftsman.From 20 Jan to 2 Mar 1956 Robert attended the No 10 "J" Group Equipment Assistants Course at RAAF East Sale. He was discharged on 22 Jul 1960 at his own request but accepted in the RAAF Reserve as a Leading Aircraftsman Equipment Assistant.

Children: Wendy Alexis b.16 Feb 1947; Valerie Faye b.9 Jan 1953; Robyn Lees b.30 Sep 1954; Allen Robert b. 21 Mar 1956; and Dorothy Ellen b. 13 Jun 1957.

Notes

When he first enlisted his application was accompanied by references from Hector Price of Illawarra Orchard Ltd and L Fernie.


External Links