Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare Second World War G.M. group of three awarded to Flying Officer H. V. McLean, Royal Canadian Air Force, who added first degree burns to his multiple injuries while rescuing a pupil pilot from their burning Harvard trainer

George Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (P.O. Howard V. McLean, R.C.A.F.); Canadian Voluntary Service Medal 1939-45; War Medal 1939-45, silver, lacquered, good very fine or better (3) £2500-3000

One of approximately 80 G.Ms awarded to Canadians, 20 of these being won by members of the Royal Canadian Air Force in the 1939-45 War.

G.M. London Gazette 11 December 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘This instructor was carrying out an authorised training exercise with a pupil in a Harvard aircraft when, as a result of causes unknown, his aircraft crashed and immediately burst into flames. Flying Officer McLean was severely injured in the crash, suffering fractured vertebrae, a broken nose, lacerations of the head and face and severe shock. Despite these injuries, the flames from the burning aircraft and the great danger of the fuel tanks exploding, this officer succeeded in rescuing his pupil pilot, who was in an unconscious condition, from the burning aircraft without assistance, and dragging him clear of danger. While rescuing his pupil, Flying Officer McLean received first degree burns on his legs and further lacerations. Flying Officer McLean’s great courage, devotion to duty, and complete disregard for his own personal safety undoubtedly were responsible for saving the life of his pupil. The great gallantry displayed by this officer throughout the incident in question is beyond all praise.’

Howard Vincent McLean enlisted in the R.C.A.F. at Ottawa in July 1942 and, having graduated as a pilot in October 1943, served as an instructor in Canada. He was serving at No. 14 Service Flying Training School at the time of the above cited incident near Woolfe Island, Lake Ontario, on 18 July 1945, by which date he had amassed 938 hours flying time as an instructor. McLean died at Belleville, Ontario, in November 1998; sold with copied service record.