BURIED in an unmarked grave in a corner of Macksville Cemetery, World War I veteran Sergeant Alexander McLean of Taylor’s Arm has finally been recognised for what he did for his country and not for what came after.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Tuesday a new plaque honouring the Taylor’s Arm Digger, who was awarded a medal for distinguished conduct in 1917, was unveiled.
President of the town’s RSL sub-branch, Barry McDonald, said McLean received the medal for “conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty”.
“This medal is the second highest commendation that exists ... the Victoria Cross is the only one above it,” Barry said.
“His citation reads: ‘He took two guns forward and successfully established them in the captured line thereby giving valuable assistance to the infantry when it was much needed’ - he went forward alone under enemy fire!
“It was later that he was shot in the head - the wound that led to the tragedy when he came home.”
That tragedy, which saw McLean shoot local girl Mary Gertrude Trisley and then himself outside the Warrell Creek Hall following her rejection of his offer of marriage, has now worked its way out of folklore and into a novel by local author Karly Lane (Poppy’s Dilemma).
“During my research I kept finding references to how loved ‘our Alick’ was,” Karly said.
“Plus I stumbled upon some of his actual letters ... incredibly, a man in the Blue Mountains had them! They are some of my most treasured possessions.
“He (McLean) came across as such a normal guy - he was writing to his mother and his sister, sending love to his niece.
“The clinical report of the murder-suicide just did not mesh with that - it was so out of character. I thought this poor guy really needs to have a voice.”
In hindsight McLean was clearly suffering from Post Traumatic Stress, and as Barry puts it, “he just lost it”.
“This plaque now recognises him for the service he gave to his country.”
