Hugh Havelock McLean

Who was Hugh Havelock McLean?

Hugh Havelock McLean was a Canadian soldier, politician, and the 17th Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick from 1928 to 1935.

Born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, the son of Lauchlan and Sophia LeBrun Duplissie McLean, McLean was educated at the Fredericton Grammar School. He was called to the New Brunswick Bar in 1875 and created a King's Counsel in 1899. He was elected to the Canadian House of Commons for the New Brunswick electoral district of Sunbury—Queen's in the 1908 federal election. A Liberal, he was re-elected in the 1911 federal election and the 1917 federal election for the electoral district of Royal. In 1917, he crossed the floor and sat as a Unionist. From 1928 to 1935, he was the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick.

He served with the Canadian militia and was a Captain and Adjutant for the 62nd Saint John Fusiliers. He eventually became a Lieutenant-Colonel and was the commanding officer. From 1903 to 1911, he was the Commandant of the 12th Infantry Brigade. From 1912 to 1914, he commanded the Cavalry Brigade. He was promoted to Colonel and was Commander of Canadian Coronation Troops for the coronation of King George V. During World War I, he was promoted to Brigadier General and served with the 1st Infantry Brigade. He was promoted to Major General in 1917.