In June he was promoted Acting Wing Commander and placed in command of the squadron.
In 1945 McLean married Elfida Mary Bruce, née Ahlborn, a 28-year-old divorcee; she was a Red Cross representative at a hospital to which he flew wounded soldiers.
Returning to Australia in June 1945, he was appointed commander of No.243 (Transport) Squadron, R.A.F., which was stationed at Camden, New South Wales, and operated in the Pacific theatre
His final posting in 1946 was to R.A.A.F. Headquarters in Melbourne. He resigned in January 1947.
For leadership and courage in action he had been awarded the Air Force Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Service Order - rare honours for a transport pilot.
In 1953 he received the Queen's commendation.
McLean accepted a permanent commission in the R.A.F. in 1947. He served at headquarters, Transport Command, and at the Air Ministry.
Jack was a member of the British bob-sled team in the 1948 Winter Olympics at St Moritz, Switzerland, he played Rugby Union football and cricket for the R.A.F.
Jack commanded No.47 Squadron (1949-51), and completed R.A.F. and joint-services staff courses.
In the mid-1950s he spent three years in West Germany with the United States Air Force.
Promoted group captain (1960), he was posted as R.A.F. station commander to Changi in Singapore, in December 1962, but in 1963 became seriously ill. He died of cancer on 9 November that year in Princess Mary's R.A.F. Hospital, Halton Camp, Wendover, Buckinghamshire.
His wife and four daughters survived him, as did his stepson.In June he was promoted Acting Wing Commander and placed in command of the squadron.
In 1945 McLean married Elfida Mary Bruce, née Ahlborn, a 28-year-old divorcee; she was a Red Cross representative at a hospital to which he flew wounded soldiers.
Returning to Australia in June 1945, he was appointed commander of No.243 (Transport) Squadron, R.A.F., which was stationed at Camden, New South Wales, and operated in the Pacific theatre
His final posting in 1946 was to R.A.A.F. Headquarters in Melbourne. He resigned in January 1947.
For leadership and courage in action he had been awarded the Air Force Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Service Order - rare honours for a transport pilot.
In 1953 he received the Queen's commendation.
McLean accepted a permanent commission in the R.A.F. in 1947. He served at headquarters, Transport Command, and at the Air Ministry.
Jack was a member of the British bob-sled team in the 1948 Winter Olympics at St Moritz, Switzerland, he played Rugby Union football and cricket for the R.A.F.
Jack commanded No.47 Squadron (1949-51), and completed R.A.F. and joint-services staff courses.
In the mid-1950s he spent three years in West Germany with the United States Air Force.
Promoted group captain (1960), he was posted as R.A.F. station commander to Changi in Singapore, in December 1962, but in 1963 became seriously ill. He died of cancer on 9 November that year in Princess Mary's R.A.F. Hospital, Halton Camp, Wendover, Buckinghamshire.
His wife and four daughters survived him, as did his stepson.
Compassionate and modest, McLean got on well with all ranks, inspiring loyalty and affection.Compassionate and modest, McLean got on well with all ranks, inspiring loyalty and affection.