Handwritten Copies of ‘In Flanders Fields’ Enter UNESCO Register

Four handwritten copies of the renowned poem In Flanders Fields by John McCrae have been officially recognized and added to the Canada Memory of the World Register, as announced just ahead of Remembrance Day on November 11, 2023. This register, launched by UNESCO in 1992, honors documentary heritage of significant universal value and aims to promote its preservation and accessibility for future generations.

Deep Saini, president and vice-chancellor of McGill University, highlighted the poem’s profound impact, stating, “In Flanders Fields continues to move hearts around the world, reminding us of the human cost of war and the enduring power of compassion.” McCrae, who was a professor and physician at McGill, penned the poem in 1915 while serving as a medical officer during World War I. He wrote it in Belgium, inspired by the death of a friend during the Second Battle of Ypres.

Significance of the Handwritten Copies

The four copies recognized by UNESCO include an autographed version sent by McCrae to a friend, Carleton Noyes, on May 31, 1916. This particular version contains slight variations from the published text, indicating that McCrae may have refined the poem even after its rise to fame. The remaining three copies were shared among McCrae’s friends and colleagues, including Andrew Macphail, Clare Gass, and Edward William Archibald, all fellow members of the Canadian Army Medical Corps.

Guylaine Beaudry, Trenholme dean of libraries at McGill, referred to these handwritten manuscripts as “the most meaningful treasures in McGill’s collections.” She emphasized the importance of preserving and digitizing these fragile documents, making them accessible to a global audience.

Librarian Svetlana Kochkina, who led the initiative to include the copies in the UNESCO register, remarked on the significance of the recognition. “For these papers, the distinction means more exposure—more people knowing that we have those incredible treasures,” she noted, highlighting that the copies will be available online for anyone to view.

A Testament to Friendship and Creativity

The recognition of these copies is not only a celebration of McCrae’s legacy but also a reminder of the connections forged through shared experiences in the face of war. Mary Hague-Yearl, head librarian at the Osler Library of the History of Medicine, pointed out that McCrae’s original handwritten version encapsulates the contrast between the beauty of nature and the harsh realities of conflict.

David Schimpky, director of the secretariat for the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, added that the copies reveal the human aspect behind the iconic poem, stating, “In Flanders Fields has had a profound influence on the commemoration of war in Canada and beyond.” He noted that it is particularly fitting for this recognition to coincide with Remembrance Day, a time when Canadians reflect on the sacrifices made during wartime.

As Remembrance Day approaches, the acknowledgment of McCrae’s handwritten works serves not only to honor his memory but also to remind us of the enduring power of poetry to convey complex emotions and experiences. The poem continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, ensuring that its message remains alive for generations to come.