109282 Pte. Russell Alexander Cragg was the 4th child to Abraham Frederick Cragg and Mary Jane Lee.

Russell was born on his parent's farm home at Cambray, in Fenelon Twp., Victoria County, Ontario, just 10 miles northwest of Lindsay, on 7th February, 1889.

He had 5 sisters, Mary Ellen b. 1881, Isabella b. 1885, Florence b 1891, Alice b 1896. and Ruth b 1907. He had two brothers, John b. 1883 and Earl born 1904.

Russell never married however he had a close friend, Amy, who was mentioned in a diary he kept throughout his service with the 4th CMR.

Working as a telegraph operaor at the time, Russell attested into the 4th CMR in Toronto on November 27th, 1914, as part of the original intake. Sadly he was lost at the 'Battle for Mount Sorrel' on June 2nd, 1916.

Pte. Russell Alexander Cragg is commemorated on Tablet B, Panel 32, of the Menin Gate Memorial, in Ieper, Belgium, and has never been forgotten by the family for his service to his country.

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The above biography and image, with thanks, are credited to nephew (son of Russell's brother, Earl), John F. Cragg.

Mening Gate Tablet B, Panel 32 image supplied by 4cmr.com