Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Newspaper clipping – From the British Whig, a Kingston, Ontario newspaper. Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me

Original wooden cross – The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 245 in Merrickville, Ontario, has come into possession of a unique First World War artifact, which was retrieved long ago from Flanders Fields in France. The original wooden cross of Merrickville's Private A. McLean was recovered decades ago when the wooden crosses were replaced with crosses made of stone. The cross was encased in a beautiful wood and glass case and found its way to Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Merickville, Ontario where it was recently rediscovered. The church has since donated the piece to the local Legion. Those who have seen this beautiful piece remark on the deeply emotional impact it has on them as they realize the significance of this unique symbol.

Gravemarker – This is a picture of the headstone of Alexander McLean. It replaced the wooden cross that originally marked his grave. Alexander was my father's uncle, although my father never knew him, as he was not born until after Alexander's death. Alexander was one of five children, including Hector, Sadie, Audrey and Mae. Alexander was working on the farm in the fields one day when the military men came and told him he had to go with them to the Great War. He never returned. According to the message my great-grandparents received upon his death, he died when a German grenade landed in the foxhole he was sharing with several other soldiers. On the reverse of this photo is a note that identifies his mother (my great-grandmother McLean) as the author of the poem inscribed at the base of the headstone. Thank you Alexander, for sacrificing so much for all of us.

Merrickville Remembers – This project was sponsored jointly by the Canadian Legion Branch 245 and the Merrickville District Community Health Centre. Serving on the Committee were Jack Jessop, Past President of Legion Branch 245; Joyce McKay, who lost a brother in the Second World War; Peter McKenna, Executive Director of Merrickville and District Community Health Centre; and Jack Wilcox, who upon discharge from the Canadian Army in 1945, prepared the Sydney Academy Memorial Booklet honouring the students of the Academy who gave their lives in the Second World War.

Memorial Page – Alexander McLean is honoured on page 19 of the Merrickville Remembers booklet, published in January 2003.

Photo of Alexander McLean