Herbert Scott McKean (4167)

Herbert MCKEAN was born in 1896 in Calliope, QLD, AUS, the sixth of seven children of John Scott MCKEAN (1854-1916) and Margaret WANMER (1866-1956).

Herbert enlisted in January 1916 at Rockhampton. When sent overseas he was part of the 31st Battalion 10th Reinforcements who embarked at Brisbane on the Boonah in October 1916. Herbert served in France during 1917 with periods in hospital firstly with mumps and then trench fever. He was transferred to the 8th Machine Gun Battalion in October 1917.

In January of 1918, Herbert was again suffering from trench fever and was sent from Boulogne to England, being admitted to hospitals in Chichester, Dartford and Hurdcott(?). In March 1918 he joined the overseas training brigade and was assigned to the 5th Machine Gun Battalion on his return to France in June 1918. He served with the battalion until he left France for home in March 1919. Herbert returned to Australia aboard the Orontes in July 1919 and was discharged in October that year.

In 1922 Herbert married Ada HULME in Queensland. Herbert passed away in 1970.

References / Further Research:

• Service Record for Herbert Scott McKean, National Archives of Australia, B2455/1, 1948790 (digital copy available online)
• WW1 Nominal & Embarkation Roll, Australian War Memorial

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