Born at Callender, Perthshire, Scotland, CoE. Enlisted 15 May 1915 age 24, farm hand. Nok mother, Christina Scott of Milne Cottages, South St, Fremantle. Embarked at Fremantle 5 June 1915 per A2 Geelong. Served in Gallipoli 1915 and in Egypt in 1916 when he was wounded by shrapnel to the arm and leg. Wounded in the abdominal region on 19 April 1917 near Gaza. John died of these wounds 21 April at the 53rd Casualty Clearing Station at Deir-el-Belah and buried at Deir El Belah War Cemetery, Israel, grave A 86. Service medals: 1914-1915 Star, BWM and VM. It is not certain that he is the McLaren listed on the Cottesloe and district Honour Rolls.
