On Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, France is the name of 18111 Corporal Hugh Alexander McLean serving with ‘D’ Company 12th (Service) Battalion Durham Light Infantry who died 22/09/1916.

Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-

Hugh was the eldest son of James McLean and his wife Isabella (nee Coulson). He was born at Gateshead in 1893. The couple had 5 children together, all of whom survived. There were 3 sisters and 1 brother – Jane, Nora, Thomas and Mary. The family lived at Wesley Street, Low Fell originally at no. 27 then later at no. 9.

His father, James, was a coal hewer. Hugh himself went down the pit, when he was old enough, working as a coal miner (putter).

His older sister, Jane, worked as a shop assistant. She sold umbrellas.

When war broke out Hugh enlisted at Gateshead on the 5th September 1914. His battalion (12th) was formed at Newcastle that same month. The battalion was on home duties until they moved to Aldershot in November, then to Willesborough, Kent until finally locating to Bramshott in May before being shipped to France arriving at Boulogne on 25 August 1915.

At his attestation he was reported to be 5 feet seven inches tall, fair complexion, grey eyes and auburn hair. He was declared fit for service. His religion was Church of England.

On the 5thJune 1915 Hugh was absent from tattoo until reveille the following day, 6th June. He received 2 days confinement to barracks as punishment.

In October 1915 he needed treatment for scabies and impetigo. Both are nasty skin infections caused by poor sanitation in the trenches and reduced personal hygiene. Scabies is caused by a tunnelling skin mite whilst impetigo presents with yellowish crusts over the body. Both conditions would now be treated with antibiotics which were not available during WW1.

On the 4th August 1916 Hugh was promoted to Corporal.

On the  24th August 1916 he required medical attention once again. He was suffering from I.C.T. (inflammation of connective tissue) to the legs. This condition is associated with the lupus disorder. Hugh served with Durham Light Infantry until his death on the Somme on the 22nd  September 1916 aged 23 years.

His effects were sent to his father.

His younger brother, Thomas, also served during the war. He was with the 1/6th Cheshires. He survived the war and lived until he was 80 years old.

Medals :- British War Medal, Victory Medal and 1915 Star

Hugh Alexander McLean is remembered at Gateshead in  G39.004, page 62, on G39.064 and in the D.L.I. Book of Remembrance, page 258.