12 Facts About Harcus Strachan

Harcus Strachan homesteaded a farm in the Chauvin district, near Wainwright, Alberta.

Harcus Strachan was 33 years of age, and serving in the First World War with the Canadian Cavalry Brigade as a lieutenant in The Fort Garry Horse, when he performed the action for which he was awarded the VC.

Campbell was killed, and Harcus Strachan took command, leading 'B' Squadron at the gallop across the countryside toward Rumilly.

German infantry positioned beyond the guns fired on them and again Harcus Strachan led a charge, They broke the infantry but were under fire, taking more casualties as they rode towards Rumilly.

Harcus Strachan realised there was to be no support, so he had the horses cut loose and he led the unit in a withdrawal towards the Canal.

In short, Lieutenant Harcus Strachan led the squadron through the enemy line of machine-gun posts and then, with the surviving men, led the charge on the German battery, killing seven of the gunners with his sword.

Harcus Strachan took command of the squadron of his regiment when the squadron leader, approaching the enemy front line at a gallop, was killed.

Harcus 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.

Harcus Strachan, having been promoted to captain, received his VC from King George V on 6 January 1918.

Harcus Strachan ran as a Liberal candidate in the 1921 Alberta provincial election, in the Wainwright constituency, but was not elected, a victim of the Farmers' sweep.

Harcus Strachan later commanded the 1st Battalion, Edmonton Fusiliers during the Second World War.

Harcus Strachan died on 1 May 1982, at the age of 97 years and 175 days, the record longest-lived recipient of the Victoria Cross.