LCpl Smith was born in 1882 and worked as a gunpowder maker and a coalminer in the colliery near his home in Roslin, Midlothian. His family believe that when he was in his late 20s, he boarded a ship to New Zealand in anticipation of finding a new life. 

He landed at Westport on the West side of the South Island and made his home in the burgeoning coal mining town of Denniston Plateau, 1700ft up the mountain. During his stay in Denniston, LCpl Smith sent home several postcards and messages expressing his love for the country and his work there.

He returned to Scotland in 1913 and married Helen Webster Anderson at the Original Hotel in Roslin, Midlothian. They had two daughters, Helen Anderson born in 1914 and Jane Lawrie, born in 1915. LCpl Smith’s plans to return to New Zealand with his family were put on hold when he joined the 8th Battalion Royal Scots in 1915.

LCpl Smith was a member of the independent Order of Rechabites and was an avowed abstainer of alcohol.

His grave was identified after Andrew Pugh contacted the CWGC presenting evidence suggesting he had been found. Further research conducted by the National Army Museum and JCCC confirmed the findings. Pte McLean’s last resting place has now been rededicated with a newly engraved CWGC headstone bearing his name.