1193 Sergeant Archibald McLEAN, 33rd Battalion A.I.F. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations against enemy positions South of the SOMME, east of HAMEL on the 8th August 1918. Sergeant McLEAN acting Company Sergeant Major. On entering ACCROUCHE WOOD his company Commander became a casualty. This non -commisioned officer immediately took charge of Company Headquarters, and gathering small parties who had lost direction owing to the dense fog, he led his men forward and captured four machine guns, a minenwerfer and a total of 2 Officers and 60 other ranks prisoners.

He did especially good work in reorganising his company at the final objective and in the consolidation of our line of resistance. Throughout the operation he displayed endurance, courage and leadership and set a splendid example to the men.

16th September 1918

1193 Sergeant Archibald McLEAN. MM, 33rd Battalion A.I.F. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the operations of August 22nd/23rd August 1918, North of BRAY-SUR- SOMME. Sergeant McLEAN acted as Company Sergeant Major and did excellent work in maintaining the direction and formation of his company despite a heavy mist. A gap occurred between the two assaulting companies, Sergeant McLEAN at once took a party forward, filled the gap, and maintained touch with both companies.

He led his men forward with characteristic dash and the greatest daring. With a runner he rushed an enemy machine gun, which had been holding up our advance and captured the gun and crew, and thus allowed our advance to continue. his presence always inspired the men with the utmost confidence. his leadership, gallantry and iniative are of the highest order.

Archibald McLean was a Farmer from Sunnyside, Black Mountain, N.S.W. upon enlistment. Archibald lived at the Narrabeen War Veterans Home, Narrabeen, N.S.W.

William and Alice McLean had at least 7 children, William Alexander McLean born 1891 at Armidale, N.S.W. Birth Cert:4306/1891. Annie I McLean born 1892 at Armidale, N.S.W. Birth Cert:4394/1892. Vera McLean born 1894 at Armidale, N.S.W. Birth Cert:3999/1894. Archibald McLean born 1896 at Armidale, N.S.W. Birth Cert:10472/1896. Albert E McLean born 1897 at Armidale, N.S.W. Birth Cert:28956/1897. Donald McLean born 1902 at Armidale, N.S.W. Birth Cert:9851/1902. Allan McLean born 1904 at Armidale, N.S.W. Birth Cert:19521/1904.