McLean, Alexander 110038 (1899 - 1918)

Flight Cadet, Royal Air Force

Buried at Craigton Cemetery

Commemorated at Bellahouston Academy Roll of Honour

Alexander was the son of Mr and Mrs William McLean, 5 Middleton Terrace, Ibrox, Glasgow.

When he left Bellahouston Academy in 1914 he went to the Govan Branch of the National Bank of Scotland but the desire of a more active outlet for his energy led him to change his employment. In January 1916 he started as an apprentice Marine Engineer with the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company.

Joining the Royal Air Force as a Cadet in November 1917 he was sent to Farnborough. He passed through the various schools in England and was finally sent to Turnberry to be trained in aerial fighting. His training was within a few days of being complete and he had already passed as an observer.

While flying with a young Canadian pilot their machine crashed and caught fire. Both pilot and observer were killed. This happened on 5th September 1918. Alexander was only 19 years of age. His body was brought home and now resides in Craigton Cemetery.