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Auction: 23001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 334

A well-documented 1944 'Home Waters' B.E.M. group of five awarded to Able Seaman E. McClean, Merchant Navy, late Deck Hand, Royal Naval Reserve, an experienced seaman in small vessels who shared in the famous Zeebrugge Raid on St George's Day 1918 aboard ML-525

British Empire Medal, Civil Division, G.VI.R. (Edward McClean); British War and Victory Medals (12591 D.A. E. McLean. D.H. R.N.R.); 1939-45 Star; War Medal 1939-45, mounted as worn, good very fine (5)

B.E.M. London Gazette 2 June 1944. A letter from the Ministry of War Transport, dated 10 June 1944, refers to the fact their Division covers '...coasting and short sea shipping.'

Edward McLean was born at Saddell, Argyll on 29 April 1884 and was a Piermaster and Seaman by trade. During the Great War served as an Able Seaman in the Merchant Navy and was then transferred to the Special Trawler Reserve of the Royal Naval Reserve in October 1916 and also shared in the actions of the famed Zeebrugge Raid on 23 Aprl 1918, when present aboard ML-525. This vessel was one of some thirty-three motor launches which were involved in this action and she was conferred the Battle Honour 'Zeebrugge April 1918' for her part.

Demobilised in May 1919, McClean remained at sea for the remainder of his life and it was no surprise he returned to the Royal Naval Reserve during the Second World War. He was present aboard Dalriada from 1938-41 and thence with Ardyne, with whom he shared in twenty-voyages from July 1941-July 1948, all of these on home trade duties, in which capacity it appears his B.E.M. was conferred - this being presented at Buckingham Palace on 14 November 1944. McClean died on 20 December 1959; sold together with his British Mercantile Marine Identity & Service Certificate, a quantity of Merchant Certificates of Discharge, letter from the Ministry of War Transport, Continuous Certificate of Discharge, letter regarding his Investiture and other copied research.

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Sold for
£270

Starting price
£140