Award DCM C.S.M. Norman McLean, Fusiliers Mont Royal (Dieppe)

brithm · Oct 4, 2022

Award Distinguished Conduct Medal CSM Norman McLean, Les Fusilier Mont Royal, 6th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division (D61016)

After his capture during the Dieppe Raid, McLean was sent to Stalag VIIIB (LAMSDORF), where he became the leader of the Escape Committee. Between July and October 1943, under his supervision, a tunnel 40 yards long was constructed and through this fifteen P/W escaped at the beginning of October. In order to conceal the existence of the tunnel, the wire round the camp was cut.

On 21st October 1943 another fifteen P/W, including McLEAN, escaped in the same manner and after their exit the tunnel was to be closed until following spring. Each of the escapers prior to his departure had been provided with forged documents and civilian clothing.

McLEAN travelled by train to BUDAPEST, arriving on 26th October 1943. Here he found other P/W and acting upon the instructions of an officer, arranged that all should be constantly ready for immediate evacuation by air.

When the Germans occupied HUNGARY on 19th March 1944, McLEAN was interned by Hungarian Police at SZIGETVAR. He escaped but was re-arrested and taken to Dulag 172 at ZEMUN. During the next month several unsuccessful attempts were made to get through the wire, but on 17th April 1944 with two other P/W he escaped from his German captors. After three months' service with the partisans, McLEAN finally encountered Allied forces on 20th July 1944.
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WO 373/63/70

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Award DCM C.S.M. Norman McLean, Fusiliers Mont Royal (Dieppe)

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Award DCM C.S.M. Norman McLean, Fusiliers Mont Royal (Dieppe)

brithm Senior Member

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