In Flanders fields

by John McCrae

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Genres: Poetry, Classics

28 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1921

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

John McCrae was a Canadian poet, physician, and soldier whose name became immortalized through his poignant war poem In Flanders Fields. Born in Guelph, Ontario, he showed early academic promise, earning a scholarship to the University of Toronto. He studied both arts and medicine, eventually graduating as a doctor while also serving in the Canadian militia. McCrae balanced a distinguished medical career with military service, seeing combat during the Second Boer War and later volunteering for World War I at the age of 41.
During the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915, while serving as a field surgeon with the Canadian Expeditionary Force, McCrae wrote In Flanders Fields following the death of a close friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer. The poem, first published anonymously in Punch magazine, quickly gained widespread recognition and became one of the most enduring literary symbols of the war. Its imagery of poppies growing among the graves of the fallen inspired the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance used around the world today.
McCrae was known for his deep sense of duty, compassion for his patients, and private nature. Despite his fame, he remained humble and continued his medical work, later commanding No. 3 Canadian General Hospital in Boulogne, France. He died of pneumonia in 1918, near the end of the war, and was buried with full military honors in Wimereux, France.
Beyond his famous poem, McCrae's legacy includes a collection of writings published posthumously, In Flanders Fields and Other Poems, as well as numerous schools, institutions, memorials, and even a mountain named in his honor. He remains a national hero in Canada and a lasting voice of remembrance across the world.

Reviews

[Kier Scrivener · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will always remain one of my favourite poems, one that I read every November and time and time again through the year. The depth of emotion and rawness is tangible.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most touching poems about war and the soldiers who died in war. A worthy read and an apropos work to read and reflect upon.

[Dodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captain in the Canadian army was at Flanders Fields (in France) attending a funeral of a fallen soldier(World War 1). He saw all the graves and poppies and got inspired to write this poem. In Canada we have Remembrance Day (Nov. 11) where Canadian wear poppies in remembrance of all of the fallen soldiers.