SOLDIER CURATE AT THE FRONT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3195, 9 June 1915, Page 85

SOLDIER CURATE AT THE FRONT.

LONDON CLERGYMANS NARROW ESCAPES.

Lieutenant,Cuthbert T. Maclean, who has been awarded the new decoration of the Military Cross for “ distinguished and meritorious services ” in the war, is believed to be the’ only man who has united the professions of soldier and clergyman, following both at the same time (says the Daily Mail). Lieutenant Maclean is curate to the rector of Newington, S.E. He is a native of New Zealand, and was an officer in the dominion army when he came as assistant clergyman to St. Mary’s, Newington, about 18 months ago. Though he has been in the parish only a comparatively little while, everyone is familiar with his athletic 6ft 2in figure, and fond parishioners told a Daily Express representative how he always “ beamed with kindness.”

The Rev. W. J. Conybeare, rector of Newington, paid a notable tribute to Lieutenant Maclean’s keenness as a parish worker. “He was very enthusiastic, and greatly admired by all with whom he came into touch,” he said. “Mr Maclean is a particular favourite with the boys of the parish, for he is a keen scout leader, and just before he went to the war he had a scout camp at Caterham.

“1 believe it is the only instance of a man who was a military officer when he was ordained and who continued to be a soldier as well as a priest.” The Rov. C. T. Maclean joined rhe "'t fi Royal Fusiliers. This battalion was not going to the front soon enougn for him, and ho became attached to the 4th Battalion, which he joined on the Aisno. The clergy-man-officer was in the thick of all the .Bgiving until, at Ypres, he was shot in the knee —the fifty-fourth officer of this Eort.’ Fusilier battalion to be wounded in the great battle. Writing to his vector from France, Lieutenant (and Rev.) Maclean mentions casmdly that ho had been n the trenches for three weeks, continually under fire, without an opportunity of tcling off his boots or having a wash. Among several narrow escapes he described being bit on the nock on ono occasion, without suffering much injury. tie said of another ‘incident”: “I spent some hours sitting in my ‘ funkhole ’ in a trench, and then I loft for a little exercise. About 20 minutes after I had moved out a huge shell burst in the exact spot where 1 had bee i sitting for hours, and blew up the trench for some 20 yards.” . , Lieutenant Maclean was invalided homo and had an enthusiastic reception when lie reappeared in Newington. lie is now tiaming some of the Now Army at Falmouth until ho is fit enough to return to the Lent.