<em>In Flanders Fields</em> | The Second Battle of Ypres | From Vimy to Juno: Canadians Through Two World Wars | From Vimy to Juno: Canadians Through Two World Wars

Colonel John McRae wrote his now famous poem shortly after burying his friend Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, who was killed during the Second Battle of Ypres. The poem is transcribed below the illustrated version, originally produced and circulated in 1918 by Heliotype Co. Ltd. of Ottawa.

An illustrated copy of John McCrae's poem, "In Flanders Fields." Poppies and crosses surround the text. — (Canadian War Museum, No. 19760596-002.)

*The full poem is transcribed.*

**IN FLANDERS FIELDS**

By Lt. Col. John McCrae (of Guelph, Canada)

Died January 28th, 1918 while on active service in France.

In Flanders' fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row. That mark our place, 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 falling hands we throw the torch - be yours to hold it high; if ye break faith with us who die. We shall not sleep through poppies grow in Flanders' fields.

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