Alastair MacLENNAN

Major General 63253 Alastair MacLennan. OBE RAMC
(1912 -2000)
Born 16 February 1912 in Aberdeen to Farquhar and Mary Davidson MacLennan, nee Duncan
Died 29 July 2000 at Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

7 June 1934 Granted a Short Service Commission Lieutenant RAMC on probation.
From 7 June to 31 March 1935, he was seconded to the City Hospital, Aberdeen, under the provisions of Art. 213, Royal Warrant for Pay and Promotion, 1931.

London Gazette dated 5 July 1968.
Army Department.
Maj.-Gen. Alastair MACLENNAN, O.B.E., M.B., late R.A.M.C. is appointed Honorary Physician to
The QUEEN, 13th Jun. 1968, in succession to Brig. Mortimer Francis Hewlett KELLEHER, O.B.E., M.C.,
M.B., F.R.C.P., retired.

London Gazette 12 August 1969
Army Department
Maj.-Gen. Alastair MACLENNAN, O.B.E, M.B., late R.A.M.C., relinquishes the appointment of
Honorary Physician to The QUEEN, 1st Jul. 1969, retired.

The following full extract from document downloaded from the National Archives Ref, WO-373-83-136
Recommendation for O.B.E. by Major General Tomlinson D.M.S. 21st Army Group.
“Major (T/Lt Col) 63253 Alastair MacLennan RAMC HQ 21 Army Group
This officer has bee A.D.M.S. (Planning and Organisation) with 21 Army Group since is inception and previously with H.Q. Home Forces in the same appointment. He has been chiefly employed in the planning of “OVERLORD” especially the intricate details of the medical units in the order of Battle, the provision and training of personnel, the movement of the medical units for the special training for combined operations and the initial assault over beaches. He has carried out this arduous task in an excellent manner, being reliable, cheerful and hardworking, capable on making his own mind. A good (looks like, miner!), he has acted as a first rate liaison officer for all the many difficult medical problems with the different branches and services of 21 Army Group, COSSACK, SHAEF and the War Office.” O.B.E. 1.2.45

Headquarters I Corps APO 358, United States Army. dated 27 July 1951.
General Orders. Number 113.
AWARD ON THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL
Full Extract.
“ By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 Sec 1I WD Bul 3 and pursuant to authority at AR 600-45, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy is awarded to the following-named officer.

Lieutenant Colonel ALASTAIR MacLENNAN 63253, Royal Army Medical Corps, British Army, distinguished himself by repeated acts of gallantry in action the enemy in Korea between 1 December 1950 and 15 January 1951. As Commanding Officer of the 26th Field Ambulance and Surgeon of the 29th British Independent Infantry Brigade Group, Colonel MacLENNAN demonstrated exceptional professional skill and unswerving devotion to duty during a period of arduous and extremely hazardous operations. In addition to discharging his normal functions as a medical officer, Colonel MacLENNAN repeatedly ignored personal hazards of enemy fire and threat of ambush by infiltrating enemy elements in order to personally reconnoitre sites for aid stations and to insure expeditious evacuation of casualties. During the withdrawal from Seoul, Colonel MacLENNAN fearlessly remained in a critical forward area with troops holding delaying positions to insure that all casualties were promptly treated and evacuated. By his gallant actions and untiring efforts, Colonel MacLENNAN insured the maximum of efficient medical services in the face of great adversity. His selfless devotion to duty set an example of gallant conduct which reflects credit on himself and the United Nations Forces. “

BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL O’DANIEL

OFFICIAL:
Sgd C.E.Taylor Lt Col AGC Asst AG RINALDO VAN BRUNT
Brig Gen GSC Chief of Staff.