Education
University of Auckland. Wanganui Collegiate School.
University of Auckland. Wanganui Collegiate School.
Educated at Wanganui Collegiate School and Auckland University College in New Zealand, MacLean served in World War I in the 7th Royal Fusiliers and was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps in 1915. He was awarded his aviator"s certificate in October 1915 and successively served as a flight, squadron, wing and brigade commander. He received the Defence Science Organisation for distinguished service in France.
He went on to be Air Officer Commanding British Forces Aden in 1929 and Director of Postings at the Air Ministry in 1931 before becoming Air Officer Commanding Middle East Command in 1934.
He was appointed Air Officer Commanding Number. 2 (Bomber) Group in 1938 and served in that role in the early stages of World World War II before retiring in 1940.
He was awarded the rank of Chevalier in the Légion d"honneur.