Wednesday 26 January 2011

Private James McRae

Born on 16 November 1880 in Edinburgh, Scotland - nephew of Alex McRae, Leith, Scotland - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as labourer; single; no current or previous military service; Presbyterian; height of 5 feet 7 inches; chest of 34.5 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; blue eyes; very dark brown hair.

Joined the 59th Battalion, CEF, in Smiths Falls, Ontario, on 24 March 1915 - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 22 June 1915 (number 410964) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - wounded on 22 November 1916 - died of those wounds on 26 November 1916 - buried in Étaples Military Cemetery (grave XX.C.10), France.

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force; Commonwealth War Graves Commission, "Debt of Honour" register, www.cwgc.org)

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