Donald Patrick Mclean was born and resided in Dublin. In world war 1 he joined the Royal Dublin Fusiliers but dropped the name Donald when signing up this is confirmed on his medal index card, soldier effect and medal roll. He served in France post 1915 and on the 1st July was involved in the opening day of the Battle of the Somme where was killed in action. There's lots of write ups about the actions of the Dublin men online i've also included a hard copy of the war diary for this date. There's also a picture included of Patrick which a family member sent it's cut from one of his Mum and siblings. Included is the war diary and various maps so you can follow and see exactly where the battalion were before and during the attack.

The 1st Dublins faced the Hawthorn Ridge at Beaumont Hamel. Since they came back from the Dardanelles, the 1st Dublin Fusiliers had been brought back up to battalion strength, i.e. 43 officers and 1066 men of other ranks. It was with this strength that they attacked on the 1st of July. At 7.20am the large mine at Hawthorn Ridge in front of the 1st Battalion was exploded. The main attack did not start until 7.30am which gave the German defenders time to occupy the mine crater. The 2nd Royal Fusiliers and the 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers went over the top in the first wave. The Dubs were to follow and assault the German second-line system. The first wave was cut down by machine gunfire and progress through the trenches to the front line was hampered. Two companies went over the top but the barbed wire was only cut at intervals of about 40 yards, upon which the German machine guns were trained. Very few got beyond the British wire and the attack was halted at noon.

The following is the casualty listing for the 1st Dublins on the 1st of July 1916 at the Battle of the Somme.

Killed in action Wounded Missing

Officers 4 7 1

Other Ranks 18 125 65

Included is Patricks Forces War Record, Irelands Memorial Records, Pension Card, Medal Roll, Soldier Effects, Medal Index Card, Picture of Paddy, Picture of his grave, war diary and other information.

5690 Private Donald Patrick Mclean

Killed in action 1st July 1916

1st Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers

Buried at HAWTHORN RIDGE CEMETERY NO.2, AUCHONVILLERS