Harcus Strachan Lake is named in honour of LCol Henry Mareus "Harcus" Strachan, VC, MC.
Henry Mareus "Harcus" Strachan VC, MC was born in Borrowstounness, Scotland, in November 1887. He attended the University of Edinburgh before emigrating to Canada in 1908. He enlisted in the Fort Garry Horse in July 1915 and was commissioned the following year. In May 1917 Strachan was awarded the Military Cross after a raid near St. Quentin. Six months later, on 20 November 1917 during the Battle of Cambrai, he earned the Victoria Cross near Masnières, France. See citation below. After the war, Strachan moved to Edmonton where he eventually entered the banking business. He also became Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, Edmonton Fusiliers during the Second World War. After WW II, he retired and moved to Vancouver. Strachan died on 1 May 1982, at the age of 97 years and 175 days, the record longest-lived recipient of the Victoria Cross.
Citation:
“For most conspicuous bravery and leadership during operations.
He took command of the squadron of his regiment when the squadron leader, approaching the enemy front line at a gallop, was killed. Lt. 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. All the gunners having been killed and the battery silenced, he rallied his men and fought his way back at night through the enemy’s line, bringing all unwounded men safely in, together with 15 prisoners.
The operation – which resulted in the silencing of an enemy battery, the killing of the whole battery personnel and many infantry, and the cutting of three main lines of telephone communication two miles in rear of the enemy’s front line – was only rendered possible by the outstanding gallantry and fearless leading of this officer.”
(London Gazette, no.30433, 18 December 1917)
