FACTA NON VERBA
Lieutenant Harcus Mateus Strachan rose from the rank of Private to become a Major by the end of the Great War. Later, a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Second World War, commanding the 1st Battalion, Edmonton Fusiliers. Serving with the Fort Garry Horse of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade, Strachan twice decorated in 1917 when the opportunities in battle for the cavalry were few and far between.
Lieutenant Harcus Mateus Strachan served with the Fort Garry Horse of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade in the Great War. As a dismounted unit, Strachan earned the Military Cross with the FGH. Re-mounted with the FGH in late 1917, Harcus awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award in the British honours system.
Early Life
Harcus “Henry” Mateus Strachan born in Bo’ness, Scotland on 7 November 1887. His mother Mrs. A. Strachan of Chauvin, Alberta. Attended the Royal High School, Edinburgh and the University of Edinburgh before emigrating to Canada in 1905. Homesteaded a farm in the Chauvin district, near Wainwright, Alberta.
Enlistment
Private Strachan 15585 joined the CEF on 15 July 1915 with the 7th Canadian Mounted Rifles at Canterbury, England. A tall man, standing 5′ 11″, 158 pounds, with dark complexion, grey eyes and dark hair. He was Presbyterian and a Rancher by trade. Medical Officer Lt. F. W. W. Griffin CAMC noting Strachan had a cyst in his right thigh, and slight varicose veins. Assigned his pay to his sister, Mrs. F. O. Mickel of Norham, Bo’ness, Scotland.
7th Canadian Mounted Rifles
Organized in November 1914 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Ibbotson Leonard. Mobilized at London, Ontario. “A” Squadron recruited in London, Sarnia, Petrolia and Woodstock. Redesignated as 2nd Canadian Divisional Cavalry Squadron. Left Montreal 9 June 1915 aboard CALEDONIA.
7th Canadian Mounted Rifles arrived in England 22 June 1915 with a strength of 6 officers, and 166 other ranks. Arrived in France 17 September 1915. Redesignated Special Service Squadron, 1st Canadian Hussars on 31 January 1916. “B” Squadron recruited in Amherstburg, Windsor and Walksville sent to England in June 1915 as a draft of 7 officers and 159 other ranks. Absorbed by the Canadian Cavalry Depot at Canterbury. “C” Squadron recruited in Toronto. Left on 23 February 1915. Arrived in England March 1915 and absorbed by Canadian Cavalry Depot at Canterbury “B” and “C” Squadrons formed the Canadian Mounted Rifles Depot.
7th Canadian Mounted Rifles disbanded by Privy Council Order 3187 of 11 April 1918. Perpetuated by The Mississauga Horse which, in 1936, merged with The Governor General Body Guard forming The Governor General’s Horse Guards.
Harcus’s unit sailed 9 June 1915. Transferred to FGH, Shorncliffe, 22 January 1916.
Fort Garry Horse
Formed in January 1916 from personnel of the Canadian Cavalry Depot at Shorncliffe. Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Walter Paterson.
FGH arrived in France on 25 February 1916, the third Regiment joining the Canadian Cavalry Brigade, replacing 2nd King Edward’s Horse. Returned to England on 16 April 1919. Arrived in Canada 29 May 1919. Demobilized at Winnipeg on 2 June 1919.
Lance-Corporal Harcus Strachan
Private Harcus Strachan to be Lance-Corporal 5 February 1916. In just over seven months, and several promotions, Strachan granted a Commission.
France
Lance-Corporal Strachan proceeded overseas 24 February 1916. On 13/14 July 1916 “B” Squadron saw the first action for the regiment laying bridges for the Infantry advance. Special collapsible bridges had been designed by Lt-Col Herbert Irving Stevenson, then second in command of the Garrys.
Corporal Harcus Strachan
Lance-Corporal Strachan promoted Corporal 16 April 1916.
Lance-Sergeant Harcus Strachan
Four months from being a Private, Corporal Harcus Strachan appointed Lance-Sergeant 16 June 1916.
Sergeant Harcus Strachan
Lance-Sergeant Strachan appointed Sergeant 23 June 1916.
Lieutenant Harcus Mateus Strachan
Sergeant Harcus Strachan granted a Commission, 20 September 1916. Lieutenant Harcus Mateus Strachan initiated into freemasonry in his birthplace, at the Douglas Lodge 409 Bo’ness, on 22 January 1917.
Max Wood Raid, 26/27 May 1917
Under cover of heavy artillery and M.G. fire a raid made on MAX WOOD and the Sunken Road in 62b.G.32.b and 62b.G.32.c in conjunction with an attack by Lord Strathcona’s Horse on FISHER CRATER. The raiding party consisted of Lt Strachan and Lt Ernest McIntyre Holiday with 38 Other Ranks.
A covering party (Lt Mills and 15 men) provided for the M.G.’s and a wiring party (Lt Knight and 20 Other Ranks) carried on work for the wire in front of the outpost line held by Royal Canadian Dragoons and incidentally made an opening in the wire to let the raiding party through. This party remained at the opening in the wire and took charge of prisoners as they were passed back.
Sunken Road
The attack made from SOMERVILLE WOOD and commenced at 2:15 am on 27 May 1917. Lt Holiday’s party formed the left flank guard and seized cut bank east of the Sunken Road, thus cutting the enemy’s line of retreat. The other party under Lt Strachan with Sgt J McDonald in charge of the advance party attacked the Sunken Road and MAX WOOD, killing and capturing a number of the enemy, and driving others into the hands of the left party. A number of hand-to-hand encounters took place, but the majority of the enemy surrendered with little resistance.
Somerville Wood
After the wood and road were cleared, the parties joined forces and searched DOGS LEG WOOD where one man (thought to be an officer) was killed with a bomb, and two others captured. The entire operation was completed in 25 minutes and the party returned to LONE TREE POST around the south of SOMERVILLE WOOD.
The total bag was 9 prisoners and 8 killed by our men. A great many others were caught by the barrage, the RCDs in SOMERVILLE WOOD, and the FRENCH on the right having seen them being carried out after dawn by the LSH were especially successful on our right. Our party had no casualties.
A small patrol with Lt Strachan went from DOGS LEG to MAX WOOD and the Sunken Road on 1 June 1917. No enemy were encountered. They were followed by LT-Col Paterson and Brigadier General Seely with an escort. General Seely with his escort had patrolled from FISHERS CRATER. Some time was spent in examining this position, after which the whole party retuned to SOMERVILLE WOOD.
Brigadier-General Jack Seely
Lt.-Gen. Julian Byng began replacing British-born generals with Canadian-born commanders in early 1917. Byng very much responsible for better training and leadership among these new leaders. Sir Arthur Currie completed the process after assuming command of the Canadian Corps from Byng on 1 July 1917. After replacing Brig.-Gen. Jack Seely, Currie commented, “[t]hose who served under him, I know had an exceptionally hard time and I am glad for the sake of the fellows of the 3rd Division that he is going.”
Military Cross
Under Immediate Rewards, it is announced by the 5th Cavalry Division that the Military Cross awarded to Lieutenant Harcus Strachan, 11 June 1917 at Devise. The actions of 26/27 May 1917 previously mentioned.
For conspicuous Gallantry and Devotion to Duty. In command of a party which attacked the enemy’s outposts, he handled his men with great ability and dash, capturing eight prisoners and killing many more. The operation was carried out without a single casualty to the party.
London Gazette No.30234, 16 August 1917
On 7 July 1917, Corporal John Johnson 114029, previously reported as missing on 24 March 1917 determined to be wounded and a POW in German hands. Operated on at Gefangenenlager, Langensaiza while in custody, Johnson repatriated to the UK on 19 November 1918 and returned to Canada on SS BELGIC, 16 April 1919.
Raid of 8 July 1917
Lt-Col Paterson re-assumes command of the Regiment on 6 July 1917. In a raid on 8 July 1917, Bangalore Torpedoes used for the first time by the Fort Garry Horse.
Fort Garry Horse War Diary
Wounded
Lieutenant Harcus Mateus Strachan wounded 8 July 1917. GSW right arm, and right thigh, admitted to No. 34 Casualty Clearing Station, 9 July. Discharged to unit, 14 July 1917.
Re-admitted to No. 12 Stationary Hospital, Etaples, (GWS right arm), 24 July 1917. Admitted No.8 General Hospital, Rouen 26 July. Admitted South Michelham Convalescent Hospital, Dieppe, 8 August 1917. Lieutenant Harcus Mateus Strachan discharged 22 August 1917.
Victoria Cross
His VC action took place during the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917. It occurred on 20 November 1917 at Masnières, France, after Lieutenant Strachan took command of the mounted squadron of Garrys when his commanding officer, ‘B’ Squadron leader Captain Duncan Campbell MC killed by machine gun fire.
Masnières
Believing the 29th Division with tanks held the village of Masnieres, Brig. Gen. Nelson of 88th Brigade, ordered the Fort Garry Horse to advance across the St Quentin Canal. On approaching the river bridge in front of Masnieres, the Garrys saw the town still held by the enemy, and the bridge across the St Quentin Canal was broken.
Lieutenant William Joseph Cowen
The Garrys then found the Hampshire Regiment crossing, in single file, over the lock gates. Tearing up a wooden pier, they built a bridge suitable for their horses to cross. Then, by 4 pm ‘B’ Squadron set out through a gap in the enemy wire, and approached the German front line at a gallop. B Squadron leader Captain Campbell killed, and Strachan took command, leading ‘B’ Squadron at the gallop across the countryside toward Rumilly.
Due to the state of the crossing at Masnières and the limited available daylight Major-Gen W. H. Greenly commanding 2nd Cavalry Division, ordered any large-scale cavalry action to halt and ordered the recall of the units that had crossed the Canal. Neither Lt. Col. R.W. Patterson, commanding the Fort Garry Horse nor mounted orderlies, could find ‘B’ Squadron who were south-east of Rumilly to give them the recall order.
Épehy, Somme
B Squadron
B Squadron led by Strachan, cut its way through a line of infantry in a heavily camouflaged road and found a four-gunned German field battery in front of them. They charged, and rode down or sabred the gunners. German infantry positioned beyond the guns fired on them them and again Strachan led a charge, they broke the infantry but were under fire, taking more casualties as they rode towards Rumilly.
Horses Cut Loose
Now, with less than fifty men and only five unwounded horses, they sheltered in a sunken road 1,200 yards east of the town. Strachan realized there was to be no support, so he had the horses cut loose and he led the unit in a withdrawal towards the Canal. During this fighting withdrawal, B Squadron scattered four bodies of German troops.
In short, Lieutenant Strachan led the squadron through the enemy line of machine-gun posts. Then, with the surviving men, led the charge on the German battery, killing seven of the gunners with his sword. When all the gunners killed and the battery silenced, he rallied his men and fought his way back at night on foot through the enemy’s lines. Eventually, bringing all unwounded men safely in, together with 15 prisoners.
Fort Garry Horse War Diary
In a rare instance, Strachan’s report included in the Fort Garry Horse War Diary, written by the Commanding Officer, Lt-Col R.W. Paterson in July 1917.
Victoria Cross Citation
“For most conspicuous bravery and leadership during operations.
He took command of the squadron of his regiment when the squadron leader, approaching the enemy front line at a gallop, was killed. Lt. Strachan led the squadron through the enemy line of machine-gun posts, and then, with the surviving men, led the charge on the enemy battery, killing seven of the gunners with his sword. All the gunners having been killed and the battery silenced, he rallied his men and fought his way back at night through the enemy’s line, bringing all unwounded men safely in, together with 15 prisoners.
The operation – which resulted in the silencing of an enemy battery, the killing of the whole battery personnel and many infantry, and the cutting of three main lines of telephone communication two miles in rear of the enemy’s front line – was only rendered possible by the outstanding gallantry and fearless leading of this officer.”
London Gazette, no.30433, 18 December 1917
Lieutenant Harcus Mateus Strachan granted 31 days leave from 31 December 1917. Strachan received his VC from King George V on 6 January 1918.
S.O.S. on expiration of leave for purpose of proceeding to Canada on compassionate grounds, 1 February 1918.
Captain Harcus Strachan
To be temporary Captain, 13 July 1918.
Major Harcus Strachan
Captain Harcus Strachan to be temporary Major, 6 September 1918, London Gazette No. 30889. Captain Strachan granted 14 days leave, 30 November 1918. Rejoined unit, 29 December 1918. Again, Strachan granted 14 days leave, 5 April 1919. Returned to British Isles, 30 April 1919. S.O.S. 13 April 1919 and retires in the British Isles, 9 May 1919.
Post Great War
After the war, Strachan returned to his farm in the Chauvin district, Alberta. Ran as a Liberal candidate in the 1921 Alberta provincial election, in Wainwright, but was not elected, a victim of the Farmers’ sweep. Strachan then decided to go into banking. By 1930, moved to Calgary and during the 1930s married Betsy Stirling where they had a daughter, Jean.
Second World War
Strachan later commanded the 1st Battalion, Edmonton Fusiliers during the Second World War.
After the war he retired and moved to Vancouver. Strachan eventually attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Legacy
Lieutenant Harcus Mateus Strachan died on 1 May 1982, at the age of 97 years and 175 days. The record longest-lived recipient of the Victoria Cross at present. Strachan’s ashes scattered near the Rose Garden Columbarium at Boal Chapel Memorial Gardens in North Vancouver, BC on 5 May 1982.
In September 2013 a lake in Manitoba named Harcus Strachan Lake to commemorate his award of the Victoria Cross. Strachan’s medals held in private ownership until December 2017, when acquired by the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa.
Canadian War Museum
When his medals came up at auction in 2017, two members of the Fort Garry Horse came to the rescue: Honorary Colonels Brian Hastings and Robert Williams.
We’re proud to support the War Museum in purchasing the medals,” say Hastings and Williams. “Lieutenant-Colonel Strachan is, so far, the only soldier of the Fort Garry Horse to have been awarded the Victoria Cross. The medals will be on loan to the Fort Garry Horse in Winnipeg for our soldiers and the public to see.
Honorary Colonels Brian Hastings and Robert Williams
On 20 November 2018, the McGregor Armoury in Winnipeg, home of the Fort Garry Horse, renamed in honour of Lieutenant Harcus Mateus Strachan VC MC.
Traditionally, the Garrys hold a Regimental dinner every year on the anniversary of Strachan’s unlikely cavalry exploit.
More
Please subscribe to CEFRG to be notified by email when there are new posts. Subscription is free, and your email kept confidential.