Robert McLean
Born 16 Jun 1919 - Died 28 Feb 2004
- Service number
- WWII 801643 AWMM
- Also known as
- Ropata Potahi Titore AWMM
- Armed force / branch
- Army AWMM
- Last rank
- —
- War
- World War II, 1939-1945 AWMM
Images
Documents
About birth
- Birth
- 16 Jun 1919 AWMM
- Date of birth
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- Place of birth
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- Birth notes
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- Address before enlistment
- WW2 65 Summer Street, Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand AWMM
- Post war occupation
- —
- Next of kin
- WW2 Mrs I. McLean (mother), Motuti, New Zealand AWMM
- Relationship status
- Pre 21 Feb 1944-31 Mar 1944 AWMM Single AWMM
Wars and conflicts
- War
- World War II, 1939-1945 AWMM
- Campaign
- —
- Armed force / branch
- Army AWMM
- Service number
- WWII 801643 AWMM
- Military service
- —
- Promotions/ Postings/ Transfers
- —
Military decorations
- Medals and Awards
- Military Medal (MM) AWMM
18 Oct 1945 AWMM
"During the crossing of the Santerno River on 10 April 1945 Pte. McLean commanded the section which was detailed to form the company's initial bridgehead, during which he displayed outstanding courage and initiative. In that, moving forward under hostile shelling and Spandau fire, he led his section operations against enemy resistance wherein the section destroyed one enemy mortar and crew, while he personally captured a Spandau post killing fifteen of the enemy. The bridgehead thus created, his company passed through to fight their way to their final objective, after which Pte. McLean led his section up to consolidate on the final objective. After consolidation the enemy counter-attacked several times but the sector his section held was defended gallantly by his men and, on the whole, the success of the section and his platoon was due to the dash and gallant leadership of this soldier. (L.G.18/10/1945 (I)). The National Archives. Recommendation for Award for McLean, Robert. (Ref. WO 373/14/306). Military Medal. 18 Oct 1945." AWMM - War Medal 1939-1945 AWMM
- New Zealand War Service Medal AWMM
- Military Medal (MM) AWMM
Training and Enlistment
- Military training
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- Branch Trade Proficiency
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- Enlistment
- WW2 Labourer/Civilian AWMM
- Age on enlistment
- —
- Occupation before enlistment
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Embarkations
- Embarkation details
- WW2 Vessel was Mooltan or Willem Ruys AWMM Private AWMM 28 (Maori) Battalion, A Company AWMM Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force AWMM
Prisoner of war
- Capture details
- —
- Days interned
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- Liberation date
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- POW liberation details
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- Liberation Repatriation
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- POW serial number
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Medical history
- Medical notes
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Last known rank
- Last rank
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- Last rank
- —
Biographical information
- Robert McLean was the husband of Huia.
The family displayed Robert's medals at the 26th National Reunion of the 28 Maori Battalion held on 14-16 April 2006 at Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Omapere, Hokianga. AWMM
About death
- Death
- 28 Feb 2004 AWMM
Age 84 AWMM - Date of death
- —
- Age at death
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- Place of death
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- Cause of death
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- Death notes
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- Cemetery
- urupa, Tamatea Marae, Motuti, Hokianga, New Zealand AWMM
- Cemetery name
- —
- Grave reference
- —
- Obituary
- Death notice: New Zealand Herald, 2 March 2004 AWMM
- Memorial name
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- Memorial reference
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Memorial
- Memorial name
- St. Aidans Church, 5 Ascot Avenue, Remuera, Auckland 1050 AWMM
Sources
- External links
- 28th Maori Battalion Website 1941-1945
http://www.28maoribattalion.org.nz/
Further Reference - Cody, J. (1956). 28 (Maori) Battalion. Wellington: Dept. of Internal Affairs, War History Branch. Digital copy.
https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/webarchive/20210104000423/http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-WH2Maor.html
Further Reference - 'The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.' (London Gazette, 18 October 1945, p.5103.). Military Medal.
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37310/supplements/5103
Further Reference - The National Archives. Recommendation for Award for McLean, Robert. (Ref. WO 373/14/306). Military Medal.
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=D7355743
Further Reference - Bailey-McDowell, L. (2026, April 26). He taonga tuku iho: Remembering 28th Māori Battalion soldier Robert McLean. Radio New Zealand
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-ao-maori/593442/he-taonga-tuku-iho-remembering-28th-maori-battalion-soldier-robert-mclean
Further Reference
- 28th Maori Battalion Website 1941-1945
- References
- Cody, J. (1956). 28 (Maori) Battalion. Wellington, N.Z.: Department of Internal Affairs, War History Branch.
- Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force. (1945). Nominal Roll Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force No. 13 (Embarkations from 1st January, 1944 to 31st March, 1944). Wellington, N.Z.: Govt. Printer.
WW2 13: WW2 79 - Information kindly provided by family
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