McLaren, Leonard Christopher Patrick (Gunner, b.1914 - d.1963)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of VX10532 Gunner Leonard Christopher Patrick McLaren, 2/2nd Field Regiment, prisoner of war in Crete, 1941. McLaren, a 25-year-old traveler and driver, enlisted in the Second Australian Imperial Force in February 1940. He was allocated to the 2/2nd Field Regiment of artillery as a gunner and served in North Africa and the ill-fated Battles of Greece and Crete.

The collection consists of a 5-page letter McLaren (known as "Patrick" or "Paddy") wrote to his sister Gwen describing his experiences during the Battle of Crete, the capture of his unit by the Germans, and his subsequent escape from captivity. He describes the incessant fighting and shelling he experienced on Crete, writing that "Jerry [the Germans] turned on one of the best shows up to date." McLaren writes that he was wounded and in poor spirits at the time of capture but, after a period of hospitalisation, escaped from captivity with two others. Assisted by locals, the trio later connected with a group of other escapees, procured a boat and sailed for Egypt. The men were twice attacked by hostile aircraft while at sea but reached Egypt and connected with an Indian unit. The letter ends with McLaren sending well wishes to everyone and asking Gwen to circulate the letter "to all & sundry & save me the trouble of writing one to each & all of the family."