William McRae’s WWI Letters: A Canadian Soldier’s Journey

William McRae’s WWI letters home to his parents describe his journey across Canada as he heads to England to finish his aero training and join the Royal Flying Corps.

These letters from William McRae, a Royal Flying Corps pilot from Agassiz, British Columbia, offer a glimpse into his daily life during wartime training. Writing to his mother, he shares moments that are both routine and show the uncertainty of miliary life.

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 McRae

William Gordon McRae was born in 1897 in Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada. He was the oldest of 10 children to Ambie, a founding member of the local chapter of the Women’s Institute, and, John the reeve (think mayor) of the community where they lived and farmed.

William was eager to learn how to fly and built his own airplane including propeller. He left home to train under Billy Bishop in the Royal Flying Corps before heading overseas to fight in World War One. Learn more about his family here.

Early Aviation in Vancouver: The Vancouver Aero Club

In the years leading up to the First World War, aviation in British Columbia was still in its infancy, yet it captured the attention of William, and the public. The Vancouver Aero Club emerged as one of the earliest organized efforts to promote flight on the West Coast.

William joined the Aero Club and learned to fly out of a hangar in Ladner. This was the space to be for aspiring pilots wanting learn the mechanics of “the machine” like William did. This was a chance for him to be apart of something modern that combined adventure, skill, and national service.

Flight Training in British Columbia Before the War

DISCLAIMER: The wording in this article reflects language that was considered acceptable at the time the original newspaper was written. Some terms are now outdated and may be offensive. They are included here for historical accuracy and do not reflect present-day views.

From Local Pilot to Overseas Service

In William’s letter, he mentioned going for his medical exams and seeing Lord Innes-Ker for an interview. He was one of the men selected to leave Canada and join Britain’s flying service in the war.

Community Support and Wartime Care Packages

In William’s letter home to his parents, he mentions receiving chocolates and other care packages from his family, friends, and community members.

The People Behind the Parcels

William received care packages from a wide circle of family, friends, and community members. This reflected the local support behind the soldiers as they went overseas. Among those who sent care parcels were Mrs. Roach, Mrs. & Mr. Greyall, William’s sister Isobel, and Mrs. Smith. Additionally Eva and Jack Horwell sent chocolates and candies. Eva would become a primary school teacher in Agassiz a few years later.

The Probert family, a well-known presence in Agassiz at the time, also appears in William’s letter. He notes receiving a package from “Mrs. Probert” which could be Alice Maude or Rebecca Probert. Alice Maud, the daughter of Charles Redfern who was the mayor of Victoria, B.C., and her mother-in-law Rebecca Probert, was the owner of the Bella Vista Hotel in Agassiz, a notable local establishment. You can read more about the Redfern family here.

William also received a package from A.C. Webster, the town’s general merchant, highlighting how even local businesses participated in supporting soldiers from their community.

How Small Communities Supported Soldiers

Even soldiers from small communities like Agassiz recieved strong local support during the First World War. Organizations such as the Women’s Institute and the Canadian Red Cross played a vital role, with chapters established in towns across British Columbia.

In Agassiz, William McRae’s mother, Ambie McRae, was deeply involved in these efforts. She was a member of the local Women’s Institute and served as a chair in the local chapter of the Canadian Red Cross. This direct connection to wartime support networks likely strengthened her commitment to fundraising and community initiatives, which helped provide essential supplies and comfort parcels to soldiers like her son.

Agassiz’s Women’s Institute

The Agassiz branch of the Women’s Institute was formed in 1909 with 25 members. The photograph below the group in the 1950’s. William’s mother Ambie is seated in the front left.

William’s Letter to Mother – January 22, 1917

W.G. McRae
Jan. 22/17

Dear Mother,

Having had a very pleasant journey I arrived safely in Montréal Saturday morning. Aunt Kate met me at the train. I was supposed to have left for Halifax the same day but I managed to stay over until Sunday night.

I have to report in Halifax at 5.00 A.M Tuesday, but will be unable to make it. As we are now nearly 15 hours late and as we are only one quarter of the way we have great prospects of being two days late.

While I was in Montréal I had a great time, as Sandy McEwan’s daughter Eva is staying at Aunt Kate’s place. She is exactly my age & full of old Nick. We went to the last show in town. They wanted me to get my uniform from the station so I haven’t got it. & Sunday afternoon I met Miss. Eva dressed in my uniform (complete) of course I had to take her pictures for her.

On Sunday morning we went to church to hear Ralph Connor and what do you think, this same Dr. Gordon got on our train at Winnipeg and had quite a chat with us. Also singing & mind you I didn’t know him or his name until I saw him in church. Auntie or Uncle didn’t go to church with us & so we hadn’t a chance to speak with him.

Let Dad know I couldn’t didn’t have time to see the [?]” he described one day to  grandmother one day as Major Date when he was speaking over the phone (Dad will know).

These are the words he said to grandmother as he finished speaking over the phone “This Major Date is a terrible man he is never in” or its equivalent.

When I was going out along Saturday to have a shave etc. Auntie says to me – Don’t do like your dad. Go out at 4 pm. And come back again @ 1 am in a cab after being lost all the time?

On our way to Montréal two of the boys lost all their belongings valise & all. I also lost my note paper with Mrs. Fooks letter in it for Maynard so please let her know. But I think the C.P.R. will send it to Maynard as it was stamped ect.

Tell Dad I will write him from Halifax & give him all the news as it is very scarce here.

Your loving son,

Willie

With love to all.

William’s Letter to Parents and Children- January 24, 1917

Dominion Line.

SS Jan 24/17

Dear Parents and Children.-

I arrived safely in Halifax last night after being twenty four hours late from Montréal.

Say! Would you mind asking Hugo to put my engine parts (above the barn) in the trunk & cover them. Also would you write to
                                Charles E. Perkins       

                                                Balmoral Hotel.

                                                                Vancouver, B.C.

And ask him to send all my belonging home as I have quite a few things at his hotel.

The weather here is very mild indeed. The hotels are all filled.

This afternoon we went down to one of the transport ships. We were taken aboard and are unable to get off. There are (5) five transport ships (of which I am on one) which are leaving within two days.

News is scarce. Etc. so will close at the present. Will write on reaching Eng.

With love to all,

                Your loving son.

                                Willie.

William’s Letter to Father- January 24, 1917

SS.

Dear Father. –

I arrived in Halifax last night after being twenty four hours late from Montréal.

Say Dad, Auntie told me about the time you would phone to Bella Mc and let on to grandmother that you were phoning to Major Date. Also about the time you were going out for a hair-cut

Over

Bella McGregor is now married. We were going out to see her but hadn’t the time.

Will write when we reach Engl.

Your loving son.

W.J. McRae