Charles Robert McRae - Lest We Forget

Charles McRae was born July 13, 1894 at Illecillewaet, B.C. He was the son of Alex McRae born Feb 7, 1863 in Ontario, of Scotch descent and Annie McRae, born March 18, 1871 in England. Two of his brothers were born at Illecillewaet: Alexander on Feb. 26 1892 and Walter on Oct. 10 1896.  He had four other brothers, all born in Revelstoke: Thomas born Oct. 26 1898, William John born April 17, 1901, James born Oct. 19, 1903 and Mundy born March 1907.  

Alex McRae was a prominent merchant and mining and lumber speculator in the early history of Revelstoke. Charles was employed as a newspaper reporter for the Revelstoke Review at the time he signed up. He is recorded as attending the Revelstoke High School in 1907.

Charles McRae signed his enlistment papers June 4, 1915 at Vernon, one of about 100 men from Revelstoke to join the 54th Battalion in the spring and summer of 1915. His regimental number was 442161. He was 21 years old, single, 5’ 8” tall with black hair and hazel eyes. His religious affiliation was Presbyterian. Charles’ older brother, Alexander, also joined up.

Charles McRae died June 14, 1916 during the battle for Mount Sorrel. He was 22 years old.  At the time of his death he was a Private with the 7th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (British Columbia) Regiment. He is buried at the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground, Belgium.

The Review of July 6, 1916 carried this article on the death of Charlie McRae:

            “Mr. and Mrs. A. McRae, on Tuesday evening received letters from E.S. Kidner, officer commanding the 7th battalion, and from Freddie McMahon, announcing the sad news of the death of their son “Charlie,” who was killed in France on June 15th.  “Charlie,” who joined with the second expeditionary force, and left for the front about a year ago, had been on active service in the trenches in France for seven months and five days. He was in the great battle of St. Eloi on June 3rd and 4th and was in the trenches at the time of the death of Judd Eaton and Earl Pettipiece, and with Fred McMahon he came through that famous battle without an injury, and was enjoying a well earned rest in billets five miles behind the lines when a shell exploded over the tent in which he was resting, killing him instantly.

            The news of “Charlie’s” death caused wide spread sorrow in the city, where he was so well and favourably known, being one of the most popular young men in the city, with hosts of personal friends.”

The name of Charles McRae is inscribed on the courthouse and Cenotaph plaques.

McRae family home on Third Street West, circa 1903. P196