| Regimental number | 8/2068 |
| Occupation | Tailor |
| Next of kin | Wife, Mrs M W McCrae, Lawrence, Otago |
| Rank on embarkation | Lieutenant |
| Unit name | New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 11th Reinforcements, Otago Infantry Battalion, D Company |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Wellington on |
| The Infantry component of the 11th Reinforcements left New Zealand on board two ships (HMNZT 49 'Maunganui' and HMNZT 50 'Tahiti'). It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked. The Nominal Roll gives the date of departure as 1 April 1916; harbour records indicate that the actual date of embarkation was 2 April 1916. | |
| Medals |
Mentioned in Despatches 'Mentioned in Field Marshall D. Haig's despatch of 7 November 1917 for distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty during the period February
26th to midnight September 20-21st, 1917.'
Source: London Gazette Date: Distinguished Service Medal 'Operations Messines: 7th to 12th June, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Major J McCrae commanded the 2nd Otago Batt. during the
above operations, and showed great coolness and ability in handling his Battalion, repeatedly reconnoitring the forward positions under heavy artillery fire. When Lieutenant Colonel Stewart, commanding the 2nd Canterbury Batt. was severely
wounded on the 7th June, Major McCrae went forward and assisted the 2nd Canterbury Batt. which he was supporting with his own Battalion. Throughout the
whole operations he set a splendid example of courage and initiative to all ranks. As second in command he has throughout carried out his duties in the most efficient manner and was responsible for the building of forward assembly trenches preparatory to the above operations, the task which he carried out with the greatest skill.'
Source: London Gazette Date: |
| Other details | Ex 5th Reinforcements |
| Sources | Nominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 28, p. 13 |