McLean Gazetted for Bravery
Acting Stoker Petty Officer, Allan Douglas McLean (Fire
Fighter) of St. Thomas, Ontario proved his mettle July
18th and 19th 1945 - not on the high seas but
at a naval base in the Port of Halifax. While the Bedford Naval
Magazine Explosion ("the other Halifax explosion") did not measure
up to the first in 1917 (the largest non nuclear explosion to that
date) it nevertheless continued for two days. A munitions barge
docked at the naval magazine in Bedford Basin exploded and
eventually spread to the piles of munitions stored in the area.
For his selfless service Acting Stoker Petty Officer, Allan
Douglas McLean (Fire Fighter) received a Commendation which was
announced in official government publications: the
London Gazette of January 1, 1946 and the
Canada Gazette on January 5, 1946.
"On the occasion of the explosions at the Naval Magazine,
Bedford, Halifax, this Rating was in charge of the Naval Fire
Brigade at the Naval Armament Depot. Immediately upon receipt of
the alarm, he took his men and equipment into the magazine area and
attempted to combat the conflagration. His courage and coolness
were an inspiration to his men. He remained with his department,
fighting the fire until the situation was out of control and only
retired after repeated orders had been relayed to him to evacuate
the area."
To see images and read more about the Bedford Naval Magazine
Explosion
click here.