R. R. McLean is the latest member of the Essendon Club to enlist. He was a prominent baseballer and member of the first eleven. 

SPORTING ECHOES. (1916, September 14). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 6 Edition: Morning. Retrieved February 9, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74594114

Flemington-Kensington Church News,  October 1918

Driver R. R. McLean, A.A.S.C. sailed tor England on May 10th, 1917.  On reaching England he went into camp at Salisbury Plains, and on taking advantage of the 7 days disembarkation leave he proceeded to Scotland which he  discribes (sic) as a magnificent place. On his return from  Scotland he was temporarily transferred to the Pay Corps, Bhurtpore Barracks, Tidworth, and there he met three of the old Church boys in Will Robertson, “Scotchie" Billinge, and George Johnston. Owing to his ability as a stenographer Reg. has been so far retained in the Pay  Corps, and has been promoted to Corporal.

Speaking about the death of George Johnston, who had transferred to the Flying Corps and who had been killed in a flying accident in England, he says:- "I was terribly shocked to hear of poor old George Johnston's death. He was a great pal of mine whilst here, and was "one of the best " and after seeing so much service, it was very bad luck to lose his life here and  not in France. l have communicated with the flying school at Winchester where George was killed, and it appears that, as a result of the inquiry into the accident, it was thought  that the pilot of the machine fainted whilst in the air, and George, as the observer, was left powerless, and death in both cases was instantaneous".