In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our places, and in the sky

The larks still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amidst the guns below.

 

We are the dead.  Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow.

Loved and were loved and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

 

Take up our quarrel with the foe

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch, be yours to hold it high

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields

 

Lt-Colonel John McRae (1872 – 1918); Doctor, Soldier, Author, Artist and Poet

Punch Dec 8th 1915

 

 

 

John McCrae was born in Guelph, Ontario, Canada and appointed Brigade Surgeon to The First Brigade Canadian Forces Artillery in 1914.  He worked as Chief of Medical Services in a Canadian Field Hospital where he treated the wounded of battles such as Vimy Ridge, The Somme and Arras.
He died from pneumonia and is buried in Wimereux Cemetry, France.

“In Flanders Fields” was first published in England’s “Punch” magazine in December, 1915. Within months, this poem came to symbolise the sacrifices of all who were fighting in the First World War. Today, the poem continues to be a part of Remembrance Day ceremonies in Canada and other countries.

 

http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general/sub.cfm?source=history/firstwar/mccrae