Duncan Oliver “Ollie” McLean

Sergeant, Royal Canadian Artillery
2nd Canadian Survey Regiment

Service Summary

Duncan Oliver “Ollie” McLean enlisted with the Royal Canadian Artillery in Brandon on October 10, 1941, at the age of 22. He had been farming south of Rapid City.

After basic training at Portage la Prairie, he was posted to British Columbia for west coast defence before further training in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Wartime Experience

Ollie deployed overseas aboard the Queen Mary in August 1943, arriving in Scotland.

He landed in Normandy shortly after D-Day and served through:

• Caen

• Falaise Gap

• Belgium

• Scheldt Estuary

• Nijmegen

• Groesbeek

• Cleve

• Rhine Crossing

• Final advance into Germany

As part of the Survey Regiment, he worked in sophisticated artillery location systems used to detect enemy gun positions.

He was promoted through the ranks and confirmed as Sergeant in October 1945.

He was Mentioned in Dispatches for distinguished service.

He returned to Canada in January 1946 and was discharged on February 27, 1946.

Post-Service Life

Ollie worked for Manitoba Hydro as a lineman.

In 1956, he married Margaret Draper, and they farmed south of Rapid City. Later they moved to Brandon.

He enjoyed music, singing, and community involvement.

Medals & Honours

• Mentioned in Dispatches

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

• Defence Medal

• France and Germany Star

• 1939–45 Star

• War Medal 1939–45