William (Bill) Cameron Hunt McRAE was born on May 4, 1892, in Munlochy, Scotland (British Army Service Records).  He was a member of Matsqui Unit #315.

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On August 10, 1914, he enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery (RFA), where he served on the battle fields of France.  The horse-drawn RFA was responsible for deploying medium calibre guns and howitzer artillery close to the front lines. 

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On January 28, 1918, his brother, 2nd Lt Ronald McRAE, Royal Air Force, was killed during a flight training accident.

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On December 6, 1920, Bill was awarded the 1914-15 Bronze Star, the British War medal and Victory medal. 

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After his release from service, Bill lived on the TAYLOR farm in Mt. Lehman.  Grant TAYLOR enjoyed the stories Bill told about the hardships endured during the war, specifically about life in the front-line trenches.

 

          “When in it rained, you couldn’t get off horse for a week at a time.  The mud would be up to the belly of the horse.”

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William McRAE died on November 18, 1972 (80) and buried at the Mount Lehman Cemetery.

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