M972.5.5.2 | John McCrae's Funeral Procession to Wimereux
John McCrae's Funeral Procession to Wimereux
29 January 1918, 20th century
Silver salts on paper - Gelatin silver process
7.6 x 16.7 cm
M972.5.5.2
This artefact belongs to : © Guelph Museums
Description
Keywords:
Keys to History
By 1917 many factors were contributing to McCrae's declining health. The asthma that had plagued him since boyhood seemed to be getting worse, possibly as a result of the chlorine gas attacks. McCrae also insisted on sleeping in tent accommodations much like those on the front lines, instead of bunking in the huts erected for the doctors.
On December 13, 1917 he learned that he had been offered a promotion to commander of the 1st Canadian General Hospital. January 5, 1918 brought news of another appointment, as Consultant Physician to the British Armies in the Field. This was quite an honour, as no Canadian had ever held such a prestigious position. Unfortunately, McCrae was never to take up his new posting.
McCrae developed pneumonia on the 24th of January and was moved to Number 14 British General Hospital for Officers where, after rallying briefly, he quickly declined after meningitis set in. He died at 1:30 a.m. on January 28, 1918.
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What
The funeral procession was led by McCrae's horse Bonfire with his master's boots backward in the stirrups, a tradition for mounted officers.
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Where
John McCrae died in Number 14 British General Hospital for Officers in Boulogne, and was buried with full military honours in the cemetery at Wimereux, France (plot 4, row H, grave 3).
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When
John McCrae died at 1:30 a.m. on January 28, 1918. This photo was taken during his funeral on January 29, 1918.
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Who
Those in attendance at the funeral included many friends, military dignitaries, nursing sisters and colleagues.
Exhibition Label
References
- Dianne Graves, A Crown Life: The World of John McCrae, St. Catharines, Ontario, Vanwell Publishing Limited, 1997, p. 247.
- John E. Prescott, In Flanders Fields: The Story of John McCrae, Erin, Ontario, The Boston Mills Press, 1985, pp. 128-129
- Letter in McCrae House Collection describing the funeral.
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