M968.349.1x | John McCrae in Military Uniform, 1893
John McCrae in Military Uniform, 1893
About 1893, 19th century
11 x 8.3 cm
M968.349.1x
This artefact belongs to : © Guelph Museums
Description
Keywords:
Keys to History
John McCrae is pictured here in his militia uniform while at a militia artillery course for officers in Kingston, Ontario in the summer of 1893. He seems to have enjoyed this course but his correspondence suggests some of it "rather dragged on". He received a commission as 2nd Lieutenant of Number 2 Battery of the First Brigade Field Artillery, Guelph after completing this course. By 1896 John McCrae had risen to the rank of lieutenant.
During his stay at the Tête du Pont Barracks, Kingston, he wrote several letters home, including some to his friend Laura Kains.
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What
In this photograph John McCrae poses in his militia uniform at the Royal Military College, founded in 1874 to train cadets for the military profession.
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Where
The Royal Military College is located along the shores of Lake Ontario in Kingston, Ontario. It was established by an act of Parliament in 1874, and opened its doors to 18 young cadets on June 1, 1876.
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When
John was attending the summer artillery course in 1893 when this photograph was taken. He would be about 21 years of age.
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Who
John McCrae inherited his father's love for the military.
Exhibition Label
References
- John E. Prescott, In Flanders Fields: The Story of John McCrae, Erin, Ontario, The Boston Mills Press, 1985, p. 13.
- Dianne Graves, A Crown Life: The World of John McCrae, St. Catharines, Ontario Vanwell Publishing Limited, 1997, p. 25.
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