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McCrae's Battalion facts for kids

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McCrae's Battalion was a special group of soldiers from Edinburgh, Scotland, who fought in World War I. People affectionately called them "McCrae's" because they were led by an inspiring man named Sir George McCrae. This battalion was formed in 1914 and was part of a larger army called Kitchener's New Armies.

A Team of Sports Stars

McCrae's Battalion was unique because many of its members were professional and amateur sportsmen. It was one of the first "Pals Battalions" formed during the war. These were special groups where friends, teammates, or people from the same town could join up and fight together. This idea was so popular that it even inspired another group, the 17th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, to form in 1915.

A big part of McCrae's Battalion came from the famous football club, Hearts. Sixteen players from Hearts joined, along with about 500 of their fans and season ticket holders! At the time, Hearts was actually leading the Scottish League in November 1914 when the battalion was created.

But it wasn't just Hearts players and fans. Footballers and about 150 supporters from Hibernian also joined. Seven players from Raith Rovers and many professional footballers from Falkirk, Dunfermline Athletic, East Fife, and St Bernard's also signed up. Fans were encouraged to follow their heroes and fight alongside the men they cheered for every Saturday. Rugby players, athletes, and other sportsmen also joined this special battalion.

The unit was named after its leader, Sir George McCrae. He was a former politician who represented Edinburgh East.

Remembering Their Sacrifice

A special memorial called a cairn was built in 2003 in a village called Contalmaison in France. This cairn remembers McCrae's Battalion and now many visitors come to see it every year.

In October 2014, McCrae's Battalion was honored by being added to the Scottish Football Hall of Fame. This shows how important their story is in both sports and history.

Images for kids

  • War Memorial - geograph.org.uk - 358764

    Hearts war memorial at Haymarket, Edinburgh

  • Hearts of Midlothian 1

    detail of Contalmaison cairn (1)

  • Hearts of Midlothian 2

    detail of Contalmaison cairn (2)

  • Tom Gracie

    Tom Gracie, one of those who lost their lives

  • Raith Rovers players in McCrae's Battalion

    Raith Rovers players in McCrae's Battalion

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