| David McLean was the son of Samuel and Mary McLean. Samuel McLean and Mary Bradley were married on 26th November 1877 in the district of Magherafelt.
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| David McLean was born about 1892 in the Desertmartin area.
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| The 1901 census lists David as age 9 living with the family at house 3 in Tullyroan, Tobermore, County Londonderry. His father was a farm labourer.
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| Family: Samuel McLean, Mary McLean, George McLean (born 22nd July 1887), David McLean (born about 1892), Mary McLean (born 17th August 1893), Susan McLean (born 14th May 1895), Robert James McLean (born 27th June 1897), Elizabeth McLean (born 24th April 1901), Margaret McLean (born 8th August 1906)
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| David McLean enlisted originally on 17th July 1908 in Coleraine with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He was aged 18 and three months.
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| The 1911 census lists David as age 21 living with the family at house 17 in Mormeal, Tobermore, County Londonderry. Like his father and brothers, David was a labourer.
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| Both Tullyroan and Mormeal are townlands midway between Tobermore, Desertmartin and Draperstown.
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| Prior to going on active duty, Private McLean was on the special reserve, and was called by the colours at the outbreak of the war.
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| 1915
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| Private David McLean was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action on Saturday 22nd May 1915 at the Dardanelles. He was 26 years old.
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| From an unknown newspaper: Desertmartin Soldier Killed
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| Mrs McLean, Ballynagowan, on Monday received intimation from the War Office that her husband, Private David McLean, had been killed in the operations at the Dardanelles. Prior to going on active duty, Private McLean was on the special reserve, and was called by the colours at the outbreak of the war. The deceased was highly respected in the district.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 26th June 1915:
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| MCLEAN – Killed in action at the Dardanelles on 22nd May, David McLean of Ballynagown, and of 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
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‘We do not know what pain he bore,
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We did not see him die;
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We only know he passed away,
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And could not say goodbye.’
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| Inserted by sorrowing widow and daughter.
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| 1916
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 20th May 1916:
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| McLean – In loving memory of my dearly beloved husband, David McLean, Ballynagown, Desertmartin, who was killed in action on the 22nd May 1915 at the Dardanelles.
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‘Sleep on dear husband and take thy rest
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For God called thee when He thought best.
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Our loss is great, but thine is gain,
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In Heaven we hope to meet again.
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Days of sadness still come over us,
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Hidden tears do often flow,
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For memory keeps that love,
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Though he died one year ago.’
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| Inserted by his sorrowing widow and daughter.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 20th May 1916:
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| Private David McLean, 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, Killed in action on 22nd May 1915 at the Dardanelles.
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| In his will he left all to his wife, Minnie McLean, who was living in Magherafelt.
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| Last Will and Testament of Private David McLean:
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| In the event of my death, I leave all my property to my wife Mrs Minnie McClean, Magherafelt, County Derry, Ireland.
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| Private David McLean is buried in Twelve Tree Copse Cemetery on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
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| All images courtesy of Sam Hudson, Desertmartin. Information provided here is courtesy of the excellent research undertaken by Mr Sam Hudson
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