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| | PVT. ALEXANDER MacLEAN
Serial No. 2043 557
437 Sheridan Ave., Detroit, Mich.
Private MacLean was transferred from the 310th Ammunition Train at Guer, to Battery B, in September, 1918. The few days before our movement to the battle front he, like others in that transfer, were assigned duty as guards and the work of grooming by detail. One evening a regimental order came through inquiring of the Captain if there was a man who could keep books. Private Barry, being in charge of quarters, tried to ascertain who had this knowledge. The Battery at the time was in mess line and someone told Barry that MacLean had been a bookkeeper. Not knowing MacLean by sight or name, Private Barry called very loud so the entire line could hear: ‘MacLean, MacLean, MacLean.” No response. One of his friends suggested to Barry, “Call out Alkali Ike.” The private did so and was immediately answered.
Out of the line stepped a tall, sandy complexioned young man who showed his descent from Highland Scotch clansmen. MacLean qualified for the job, which was to develop into Field Clerk, but the Colonel changed his mind and found he didn’t want such a supernumerary.
At the front MacLean participated in all the dangers of the lines, being assigned as guard over cannoneers, outpost duty and assisted in the bringing up of ammunition under terrific shell-fire.
He was very popular and known for his droll jokes. Few convivial parties were without him.
At Pont-a-Mousson he was a member of the Provost Guard, and had opportunity to visit Toul. |