Seeking information about Donald MacLaren

[DEM]

Does anyone have any ideas about where I can find information about Donald MacLaren? This fellow seems to have been somewhat overlooked by WW1 aviation writers.
Where would a person find material about him?

[DEM]

Does anyone know whether the book Winged Victor, written by Gordon Atkin, contains much - or anything - about MacLaren? It is the story of Victor Yeates, the author of Winged Victory, who flew with MacLaren in 46 Squadron. I understand the book is hard to find and that only a limited number of copies were published.

[FliegerJG1]

Hello DEM,

The Aerodrome has profiles of many aces that can be accessed by clicking on the Aces button in the far left column. Donald MacLaren is included.

You'll find some video of MacLaren speaking of his WW1 adventures in a video called "The Red Baron." He recalls a dogfight with Manfred von Richthofen. Don't confuse this video with the one produced by A&E Biography.

I also did an Aerodrome search using the Search button in the left column and it brought up more references to MacLaren.

Hope this will help you out! VBR....FliegerJG1

[DEM]

Thanks Flieger

I will look for the video.
Does anyone have any details on this fight between MacLaren and Richthofen? Is there a date mentioned? Anything from the German side to confirm it?

[MikeW]

DEM - Part one of my reply

you can easily purchase Winged Victor from Cross and Cocked International

Get Winged Victor here

It certainly discusses MacLaren from the point of view of comparing him with "Mac" in Yeates book.

Here is a little about MacLaren's from Hugh Halliday's excellent site dealing with honours to Canadian airmen:

Airforce Association of Canada

MacLAREN, Captain Donald Roderick - Military Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 22 June 1918. Born in Ottawa, 8 May 1893; attended McGill University. Home in Vancouver (student surveyor); appointed 2nd Lieutenant with RFC, 19 August 1917. To Expeditionary Force, No.2 Air Stores Depot, 21 November 1917; with No.46 Squadron, 26 November 1917 to 6 November 1918; invalided to England, 6 November 1918; to No.81 Squadron, 30 December 1918. Promoted to Lieutenant, 1 April 1918; to Captain, 6 April 1918. Joined CAF and then went into commercial aviation.; executive assistant to President, TCA. Retired 1958 and became President, Air Cadet League of Canada. Died 4 July 1989. Medals held by Canadian War Museum.



For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On one occasion, when on low bombing work, he bombed a long-range enemy gun 9,000 yards behind the lines, obtaining from a height of 200 feet two direct hits on the gun truck and two on the railway track alongside. When returning to our lines he encountered a hostile two-seater machine, which he shot down crashing to earth. He then attacked a balloon, which burst into flames, and finally, observing another enemy two-seater plane, he engaged it and eventually succeeded in crashing it to earth. He has set an excellent example of gallantry and skill to his squadron.



NOTE: Public Record Office Air 1/1515 has recommendation forwarded by Headquarters, 3 Brigade, Royal Flying Corps to Headquarters, Royal Flying Corps on 24 March 1918.



By his conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty this officer has at all times set an excellent example to the younger officers of his squadron.



Notably, on the 21st March 1918, when on low bombing work, this officer, accompanied by seven other pilots, bombed a large enemy gun position which was mounted on a railway track some 9,000 yards behind the lines, east of Brebieres, 2nd Lieutenant MacLaren dived from 1,000 to 200 feet, dropping four 25-pound bombs from the latter altitude. He obtained two direct hits on the gun track, considerably damaging it, and two on the railway track along side the truck. Having exhausted his supply of bombs, he was returning to the lines at 1,000 feet when he encountered an LVG two-seater which he attacked, the enemy aeroplane going into a spin and crashing on the west corner of Douai. He then attacked a balloon at Blache St. Vaast which burst into flames. He then turned south and went over Graincourt where he observed another LVG two-seater which he attacked, the enemy aeroplane turning east, going down under control. 2nd Lieutenant MacLaren pursued him and after diving three or four times finally crashed [the] enemy aeroplane east of Marquion.



To date this officer has accounted for three and one-half enemy aeroplanes, two crashed and one shared with another officer, and one out of control.



MacLAREN, Captain Donald Roderick - Bar to Military Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 16 September 1918.



For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as a fighting pilot. He has recently destroyed no less than nine enemy machines, and proved himself a brilliant fighting pilot against enemy aircraft often far superior in number. He has done magnificent service, and set a splendid example to his patrol.



NOTE: The genesis of this award is a submission dated 19 May 1918 from Headquarters, First Brigade to Headquarters, Royal Air Force:



For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has proved himself to be a brilliant fighting pilot and when engaged with enemy aircraft, often far superior in numbers, his determination and tenacity has set a fine example to the patrol he has been leading. Since the award of the Military Cross and in a period covering approximately one month, he has destroyed no less than nine enemy machines as under:-



On 15 May 1918 the patrol led by Captain MacLaren met 11 enemy scouts over Armentieres. He dived on a Pfalz Scout and fired 50 rounds at point blank range. He then turned and fired 50 rounds into another enemy machine, almost colliding with it. Both these enemy aircraft went down completely out of control.



On 9 May 1918, when on offensive patrol, several enemy scouts were seen over Laventie. Captain MacLaren dived on one and fired two short bursts at 20 to 30 yards range. Tracers were seen to enter the pilot's cockpit. The enemy machine rolled on its back and fell in a very flat spin completely out of control.



On 8 May 1918, when on offensive patrol, five Albatross Scouts were seen flying north-west over Laventie. He fired a short burst into one at point-blank range. Enemy aeroplane turned on its back and fell completely out of control falling in all directions.



On 6 May 1918, when on offensive patrol, an enemy two-seater was seen flying east from Aire to St.Venant. With another pilot he attacked this machine. After the last attack by Captain MacLaren the enemy aeroplane stalled, fell on its back, emitted volumes of black smoke and crashed west of St.Venant.



To this was appended a list of his victories:



1. 6 March 1918 Hannoveraner Completely out of control

2. 10 March 1918 Albatross Scout Destroyed

3. 21 March 1918 two-seater Destroyed

4. 21 March 1918 two-seater Destroyed

21 March 1918 Kite Balloon In flames

5. 22 March 1918 two-seater Destroyed

6. 22 March 1918 two-seater Smoking and out of control (with another pilot)

7. 23 March 1918 Albatross two-seater Smoking and out of control

8. 23 March 1918 Albatross two-seater Out of control

9. 23 March 1918 Albatross two-seater Destroyed

24 March 1918 Kite Balloon In flames

10. 25 March 1918 LVG two-seater Destroyed



11. 27 March 1918 Junkers two-seater Completely out of control

12. 1 April 1918 Albatross Scout Out of control

13. 2 April 1918 Albatross two-seater Destroyed with four other pilots.

3 April 1918 Kite Balloon Destroyed

14. 21 April 1918 Albatross Scout Smoking and completely out of control.

15. 3 May 1918 LVG two-seater In flames.

16. 3 May 1918 two-seater Crashed

17. 4 May 1918 Albatross Scout Completely out of control.

18, 6 May 1918 DFW Crashed this side of lines (with another pilot).

19. 8 May 1918 Albatross Scout Completely out of control

20. 9 May 1918 Pfalz Scout Completely out of control

21. 15 May 1918 Pfalz Scout Completely out of control

22. 15 May 1918 Pfalz Scout Completely out of control

23. 20 May 1918 DFW two-seater In flames (with another pilot).

20 May 1918 Two Kite Balloons In flames.

20 May 1918 Kite Balloon In flames.

24. 23 May 1918 Pfalz Scout Out of control

25. 26 May 1918 Albatross two-seater Destroyed

26. 28 May 1918 Albatross two-seater Out of control

27. 30 May 1918 Albatross Scout Completely out of control

28. 31 May 1918 Albatross Scout Completely out of control

29. 1 June 1918 Albatross Scout Completely out of control

30. 7 June 1918 Pfalz Scout Crashed

31. 15 June 1918 Albatross two-seater Out of control



MacLAREN, Captain Donald Roderick - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 21 September 1918.



Accompanied by two other pilots, this officer attacked four enemy aeroplanes; all of these were destroyed; he himself fought two down to within 200 feet of the ground, destroying both. The two pilots who were with him each accounted for one of the remaining two. It was a well-conceived maneouvre ably carried out, reflecting credit on all concerned. This officer has in four and a hahlf months accounted for 37 hostile aircraft and six balloons, displaying great resolution and exceptional tactical ability.

[MikeW]

Part 2


NOTE: The genesis of this award is a letter from the Major and Commanding Officer, No.46 Squadron, to Headquarters, 80 Wing, Royal Air Force, dated 23 July 1918 (Public Record Office Air 1/204/36/127), recommending him "for such award as you may think fit".

Captain D.R. MacLaren has shown magnificent bravery and absolute fearlessness in attacking enemy aircraft. On the 22nd instant, he led his patrol against a formation of four enemy aeroplanes. He himself fought two of the enemy machines down to within 200 feet of the ground and destroyed both. Another pilot of his patrol brought down another completely out of control, and the fourth enemy aeroplane was destroyed by a machine of another patrol. Thus not a single member of the enemy formation escaped and this was entirely due to his splendid leadership.



Altogether this pilot has accounted for 37 enemy aeroplanes destroyed and out of control, also six kite balloons, all within four and a half moths. He has set a magnificent example to his flight and to the squadron.


MacLAREN, Captain Donald Roderick - Distinguished Service Order - awarded as per London Gazette dated 8 February 1919.



Bold in attack and skilful in manoeuvre, Captain MacLaren is conspicuous in his success in aerial combats. On the 24th September he and his patrol of three machines attacked a formation of six enemy scouts, although the later were protected by sixteen other enemy aircraft at a higher altitude. Firing a burst at point-blank range, this officer show down one in flames. In all he has accounted for 48 enemy machines and six kite balloons.



NOTE: Public Record Office Air 1/204/36/127 has recommendation submitted by Major A. O'Hara Wood, Commanding Officer, No.46 Squadron, dated 22 September 1918 to Headquarters, No.22 Wing:



I wish to bring to your notice for such award as you may think fit, the undermentioned officer:



Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Donald Roderick MacLaren, MC, DFC



Captain MacLaren has now accounted for 41 enemy aircraft destroyed or out of control, and in addition to this, six kite balloons in flames.



His leading of his patrol and his aerial tactics are excellent. His fearlessness in attacking enemy aircraft and his keenness and enthusiasm for his work set a magnificent example to the squadron.



The same file (Air 1/204/36/127) has recommendation submitted by Major G. Allen, Commanding Officer of No.46 Squadron, to Headquarters, 22 Wing (date not shown on photocopy from Public Record Office):





This officer has been nearly eleven months in this squadron. During that period he has brought down 48 enemy aeroplanes and six balloons. He has displayed great dash and judgement as a patrol leader, and has set a very fine example to the squadron.



I therefore beg to submit his name for a further decoration, as his magnificent record is deserving of it. He had brought down 13 enemy aeroplanes and two balloons before he got the Military Cross, 13 enemy aeroplanes and three more balloons before he got a Bar to his Military Cross, 12 more enemy aeroplanes and one more balloon before he got the Distinguished Flying Cross. Since then he has brought down ten more enemy aeroplanes.



This steady and successful work is, in my opinion, well worth a Distinguished Service Order.



This did not appear to have the desired effect, so on 15 October 1918 Major Allen sent another report to Headquarters, 22 Wing. The portion in bold was run through with a pen or pencil - whether by Allen or an officer at Wing level is unknown.



I beg to recommend the above named officer for the immediate award of the Distinguished Service Order.



On 24 August 1918 Captain MacLaren whilst on a special mission attacked a D.F.W. over Bray at 1,500 feet. He fired 60 rounds at point-blank range and the enemy aeroplane half-rolled to the left and went down in a slow spin out of control. Captain MacLaren was unable to see the machine crash owing to thick mist and smoke near the ground.



On 25 August 1918 on low bombing Captain MacLaren attacked a D.F.W. over Albert, firing 25 rounds at 50 yards range. The enemy aeroplane's observer was then seen hanging over the fuselage. Lieutenant Paton and Captain MacLaren dived on enemy aeroplane again, firing 100 rounds, causing enemy aeroplane to try to land east of Delville Wood, but it crashed in the shell holes and burst into flames.



On 27 August 1918 Captain MacLaren, with his patrol, attacked eight Fokker biplanes over Hendecourt. He picked out one and fired about 100 rounds at 200 to 100 yards range. The Fokker turned on its back and spun down out of control. Lieutenants Viall and Buchanan, of his patrol, saw a wing fall off as it went down.





On 15 September 1918 Captain MacLaren, flying alone, saw a British balloon in flames west of Havrincourt Wood. He dived down and found six Fokkers round it. Although one of his guns was out of order he continued to dive at them and attacked one at about 100 yards range. The enemy aeroplane spun out of control from 3,000 feet north of Gouzeacourt. Captain MacLaren was unable to watch it crash as five of the Fokker biplanes then attacked him and he had much difficulty in escaping.



On 16 September 1918 Captain MacLaren while on patrol with four other was attacked from above by ten Fokker biplanes. Captain MacLaren, Lieutenant Sawyer and Lieutenant Viall all fired at one of them, which went down in flames.



On 24 September 1918 Captain MacLaren, on patrol with three others, attacked six Fokkers on his own level, although there were 16 more enemy aeroplanes higher up a little further north. Captain MacLaren fired a burst of about 20 rounds at point blank range at one, which caught fire and crashed near Havrincourt village.



On 29 September 1918 Captain MacLaren on patrol with three others attacked four Fokkers at 3,500 feet. Captain MacLaren fired about 50 rounds into one at 100 yards range. Enemy aeroplane half rolled and settled in a spin. It was last seen, still spinning down, but could not be observed actually crashing, as the fight with the other enemy aeroplanes was still in progress.



On 2 October 1918 Captain MacLaren, on patrol with three others, attacked four Fokkers at 12,000 feet. Captain MacLaren fired 50 rounds at one at about 50 yards range. This enemy aeroplane passed him and was fired on by two other pilots at more distant ranges. It could not be observed to crash as ten more Fokkers had attacked the patrol in the meantime and the engagement became general.



On 9 October 1918 Captain MacLaren, on low bombing, joined an SE.5 and attacked a two-seater Hannoveraner. he fired 100 rounds at 50 yards range, and the enemy aeroplane spun and crashed at Ricqueval.



Captain D.R. MacLaren is a patrol leader of the greatest dash and judgement. He has been nearly eleven months in this squadron, and has brought down 48 enemy aeroplanes and six balloons in that period, making a total of 54. The above nine were brought down since he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. His total of 54 places him in the six most successful pilots the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force have ever known. In spite of the numerous and heavy fights he has taken part in, he has almost always brought his patrol home. Also, I wish to emphasise that, in his many engagements with Fokker biplanes, he is up against a machine which is far superior to his own in performance, and has therefore been at a great disadvantage. This makes his record absolutely marvellous.



In addition to his fights he has led many low bombing expeditions with the greatest dash.

[MikeW]

Part 3

Altogether his exploits have set a magnificent example to this squadron, especially as he has had very few experienced pilots to back him up, owing to the casualties sustained.



MacLAREN, Captain Donald Roderick - Chevalier of the Legion of Honour (France) - awarded as per London Gazette dated 15 July 1919.



MacLAREN, Captain Donald Roderick - Croix de Guerre avec Palme (France) - awarded as per London Gazette dated 15 July 1919.



NOTE: Public Record Office Air 1/204/36/127 has two other statements bearing on his career. The first originates from No.46 Squadron, bears a date stamp of 31 March 1918 and refers to 2nd Lieutenant Donald Roderick MacLaren - one of four officers being brought to the attention of Headquarters, 13 Wing for services in actions near Bapaume.



2nd Lieutenant D.R. MacLaren has shown magnificent bravery and devotion to duty during the battle. In six days he has shot down nine enemy machines, of which six were destroyed and three completely out of control. He has also brought down two enemy balloons in flames during the same period. This officer has now eleven machines and two balloons in flames to his credit.



When on low reconnaissance he never failed to bring back reliable information concerning the movements of the enemy troops.



This is one of the officers whom I have relied on for information concerning the enemy's movements.



This does not appear to have led directly to any award. However, another statement from Major Allen, dated 31 October 1918 to Headquarters, 22 Wing which may have a bearing upon one of his French awards:



Reference your A.B.892 dated 2 October 1918, the following is the only deed worthy of special mention for the month ending 31 October 1918:



Whilst on low bombing, Captain D.R. MacLaren, MC and Bar, DFC, Royal Air Force. observed an Hannoveraner two-seater which was crossing the lines south of Bohain. He therefore attacked it, in conjunction with an SE.5 and fired 100 rounds at it from 50 yards range. The enemy aeroplane turned, commenced to spin and finally crashed. This success brought Captain MacLaren's record up to 54, i.e. 48 enemy aircraft and six kite balloons destroyed.



Mike