Guelph02 | John McCrae's medals
John McCrae's medals
1999, 20th century
15 x 10.4 cm
Guelph02
This artefact belongs to : © Guelph Museums
Description
Keywords:
Keys to History
These highly esteemed medals would be less significant had they not been awarded to the war poet who was also one of Canada's most noted medical heroes. An examination of each medal and the events that led to its being awarded allows us to learn more about John McCrae life and Canada's role in world history in the early 20th century.
-
What
John McCrae's military medals consist of two (on the left) issued for service in the Boer War; the others and the large medallion on the right are for service in the First World War.
-
Where
John McCrae received the Boer War medal at a ceremony outside the main railway station in Montreal. The First World War medals were issued for service in France and Belgium.
-
When
John McCrae received his Boer War medal on September 18, 1901. His First World War medals, awarded posthumously, were sent to his family at various times between 1920 and 1923.
-
Who
After disappearing from view, John McCrae's medals resurfaced at a Toronto auction house and were purchased by Canadian businessman Arthur Lee, who in turn donated them to McCrae House.
Exhibition Label
References
- Guelph Museums, Letters home: John McCrae and the South African War, Guelph, Ontario, Guelph Museums, 2001
- City of Toronto Archives
- Dianne Graves, A Crown Life: The World of John McCrae, St. Catharines, Ontario, Vanwell Publishing Limited, 1997, pp. 246-257
- Canadian Conservation Institute Notes
Visitors' comments
Add a comment