William Gordon McRae (1897-1917): The Final Letters

These final letters document the responses to the McRae family’s search for answers about their son, William Gordon McRae, who disappeared during the First World War. William a Royal Flying Corps pilot from Agassiz, British Columbia, failed to return to No. 19 Squadron following a scout flight on September 21, 1917. What followed was years of uncertainty as his family sought any information about his fate.

These letters are part of the William McRae Letter Collection (WWI Series)
Read the previous letters in the series here: William McRae Main Page
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About William Gordon McRae

William Gordon McRae (1897-1917) was born in Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada. He was the oldest of 10 children to Ambie and John McRae. Already an avid flyer, in 1916, he enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps and travelled to England to train as a pilot. His letters home document his military training, daily life overseas, and his growing excitement as he prepared for active service.

On September 21, 1917, William failed to return from a scout flight while on active service for the Royal Flying Corps in France. Six aircraft took off that day, but only returned. Fellow pilots last saw William entering combat over Dadizeele.

Military authorities initially reported William missing. Refusing to give up hope, his family spent months corresponding with military authorities trying to find answers. They wrote to the Red Cross, fellow pilots in the Royal Flying Corps, and anyone else they could think of in an effort to find out what happened to him.

Missing in Action: A Family’s Search For Answers (1917)(Opens in a new browser tab)

A Mother’s Hope

William’s mother, Ambie, refused to give up hope that her son was still alive. Family members recalled that for years would walk to the station every single day when the soldiers came home. Each time hoping to be surprised by her son stepping off the train and arriving home.

She also preserved his letters, photographs, and military correspondence. Because she kept them safe, future generations can read William’s own words and better understand the experience that many families had during the First World War. Ambie and John never received closure about their son. Today the letters remain preserved at the Agassiz-Harrison Museum.

Memorials

Second Lieutenant William Gordon McRae is honoured at the Arras Flying Services Memorial in France. It is at he Boulevard du General de Gaulle in the western part of the town Arras, Only two kilometers from the railway station.

The second memorial is the cenotaph in his hometown of Agassiz, British Columbia Canada. For decades the May Queens led a parade to place wreaths for the lost soldiers. Each year on Remembrance Day, the town of Agassiz gathers to carry on the tradition and to lay wreaths for the soldiers, including William.

A Promise Kept

In the words of King George:

“Let those who come after see to it that his name be not forgotten”

William, more than 100 years later you have not been forgotten.

We are still telling your story. We are still reading your letters. We are still speaking your name.

Red Cross Letter to Ambie McRae- February 15, 1918

Comité International de la Croix-Rouge
Agence Internationale Des Prisonniers De Guerre

Feb 15^th, 1918

Please refer to
A. 30.172

Mrs. J.J. McRae
Agassiz

Dear Madam,

For answer to our telegraphic enquiry on Jan. 28 at this Head Quarter of the German Aerial Service, we have this day received a wire from them stating that, so far, no news has reached them concerning your son Lt. W.G. McRae

We deeply regret that they should have failed in tracing him. However, should any information reach us later on we shall at once communicate with you to relieve you of your great suspense.

Yours truly,

COMITE INERNATIONAL DE LA CROIS ROUGE
GENEVE
AGENCE DES PRISONNIERS DEGUERRE

BRITISH SECTION

CORRESPONDENCE WITH OUR AGENCY IS POST FREE

War Office’s Letter to Mr. John McRae – May 21, 1918

WAR OFFICE
LONDON, S.w.
21 May, 1918

(Accounts 4.)

Sir,

With reference to your letter of the 19^th of April, regarding the effects belonging to Second Lieutenant W.G. McRae, Royal Flying Corps, I am directed to acquaint you that it is regretted that your previous letters on this subject cannot be traced in this Department. With a view to the disposal of the effects at present stored, on behalf of this Department, with Messrs. Cox & Co’s. Shipping Agency, Ltd., I am to request that the enclosed undertaking may be completed according to instructions thereon and returned to this Office.

I am to observe that, in the ordinary course, the kit would be dispatched when opportunity offered, free of charge with the exception of any charges that might be levied by the way of Customs Authorities. I am to explain that the kit cannot be insured at the Government’s expense, that owing to the arrangements under which these packages are forwarded, it would not be possible for insurance to be effected, and that no liability for loss can be accepted by this Department. If, therefore, you prefer it, arrangements can be made to hand the effects to some person in this country, but in that case they will not be forwarded subsequently at the public expense.

I am,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

For the Assistant Financial Secretary

King George’s Letter to the McRae Family

Buckingham Palace

I join with my grateful people in sending you this memorial of a brave life given for others in the Great War.

Geroge R. X.