John McCrae

Date of Birth: November 30, 1872

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: January 28, 1918

Biography

John McCrae was a Canadian poet, physician, author, artist, and soldier during World War I. He is best known for his war memorial poem “In Flanders Fields.” McCrae was born in Guelph, Ontario, and displayed an early interest in writing and medicine. He attended the University of Toronto, where he earned his medical degree and later served as a resident at various hospitals. McCrae’s literary talents were nurtured through his involvement with the Toronto literary scene, and he published various poems and short stories in Canadian, British, and American magazines. During World War I, McCrae served as a lieutenant colonel in the Canadian Army Medical Corps. It was during this time, while serving in the Second Battle of Ypres, that he wrote “In Flanders Fields,” inspired by the death of a close friend. This poem became one of the most famous works associated with World War I and has been widely used in Remembrance Day ceremonies. McCrae continued to serve in the military until his death from pneumonia in 1918. His contributions to literature and his service in the war have left a lasting legacy, and he is remembered as one of Canada’s most significant war poets.

5 Interesting Facts about John McCrae

1. John McCrae was the first Canadian to be appointed consulting physician to the British Army.

2. “In Flanders Fields” was first published in the magazine Punch on December 8, 1915.

3. McCrae was a talented artist as well, often sketching scenes from his travels and experiences.

4. He was a member of the Royal College of Physicians of London.

5. McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields” inspired the use of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John McCrae

1. “In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row.”

2. “We are the Dead. Short days ago / We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow.”

3. “Take up our quarrel with the foe: / To you from failing hands we throw / The torch; be yours to hold it high.”

4. “If ye break faith with us who die / We shall not sleep, though poppies grow / In Flanders fields.”

5. “The world is a beautiful place to be born into if you don’t mind a few dead minds in high places.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John McCrae’s net worth is not well-documented, as he lived during a time when such records were not typically kept for poets or military personnel. His legacy, however, is invaluable.