Born on 12 July 1895 in Lancaster, Ontario - son of John A. MacLennan, Lancaster, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as student; single; currently a member of the 59th Regiment (one year and eleven months); no previous military service; Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 11 inches; chest of 38 inches fully expanded; ruddy complexion; hazel eyes; brown hair.
Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, as an other rank in Prospect, Bermuda, on 1 August 1915 (number 410564) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - commissioned as a Lieutenant on 9 April 1917 - wounded on 28 or 29 June 1917 - invalided to England on 1 July 1917 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 23 January 1918 - wounded on 10 or 13 August 1918 - invalided to England on 15 August 1918.
Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (as a Lance-Sergeant) - official citation: "For conspicuous gallantry in action. He took command of and led a company with great courage and determination. He rendered most valuable services during the consolidation of the position and later upon relief." - unit recommendation dated 23 November 1916: "In attack on Desire Trench Nov. 18/16, when all the Officers of "C" Company had become casualties, he took command of the Company and rendered valuable assistance to Major Wood, who was the only Officer in the Battn. who had not become a casualty."
(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force; Canadian War Museum, 19680229-001, Manu 58C 1 2.18, Honours and Awards, 38th Battalion (Records of recommendations for honours and awards and mentioned in dispatches 19161121 19190117))
He was my "grandfather" and he died when I was serving In Viet Nam. He was a chemist in Albany New York after emigrating to the USA. I never met his true blood grandson but met his son-in-law but once in the 1950's. Bruno did not want his son to know "Mac" because Bruno blamed the death of his wife (Mac's daughter who committed suicide) upon Mac. I grieve that the beautiful man that Mac was will not be known by his own blood family.
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