It was meant to be a joyous occasion, marking the return of the resurrected Canso 11094 to the skies over Yarmouth, and its reunion with one of its Second World War-time pilots. Instead, the community gathered June 21 in solemn remembrance of Flight Lieutenant (retired) James M. McRae DFC CD, a respected figure whose life epitomized courage, resilience and unwavering dedication to service.
Born November 28, 1917, in Huxley, Alberta, McRae’s journey into military service began in 1942, when he earned his wings in Manitoba. His skills as a pilot brought him to the newly-formed 162 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron in Yarmouth, equipped with the versatile Consolidated PBY-5A Canso. Initially tasked with anti-U-boat patrols along Canada’s East Coast, McRae followed the squadron from Yarmouth to Wick airfield in Scotland to conduct these same patrols in support of the Allied attack on D-Day.
McRae’s wartime experiences were marked by profound sacrifice and heroism. On a fateful patrol over the North Atlantic, his Canso came under fire from a German U-boat they had just damaged after it temporarily righted long enough to man its deck guns. After a successful water landing, the aircraft had taken enough damage it could not stay afloat and, despite their efforts, three crew members succumbed to the icy waters before rescue arrived. For his bravery during this ordeal, McRae was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, a testament to his indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.
Throughout his illustrious career, McRae’s commitment to duty extended far beyond the military. Upon returning to civilian life in Yarmouth with his wife, Margaret Nickerson, whom he had met during his military service there; McRae continued to serve with equal vigor. In partnership with his military comrade, Gerald McKay, McRae established the Yarmouth Flying School, leaving an enduring mark on local aviation education. From driving bus lines between Yarmouth and Halifax to firefighting with the Yarmouth Fire Department, his versatility knew no limits.
The call of duty beckoned once more, as McRae re-enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as an air traffic controller. His subsequent postings across Torbay, Greenwood, Marville, France; and Bagotville underscored his enduring commitment to service, culminating in a pivotal role during the establishment of a control tower in the Congo as part of United Nations’ peacekeeping efforts.
Releasing from the RCAF a final time in 1963, McRae continued to contribute actively to Yarmouth’s fabric, notably serving as superintendent at Canada Customs until his retirement at age 65. His zest for life and independence remained undiminished, with hobbies ranging from golfing and curling to mastering emerging technologies like MS DOS and maintaining an active presence on social media – even maintaining a travel blog; all a testament to his adaptability and thirst for knowledge.
Canso comes home
After its wartime service was complete, Canso 11094 was employed as a water bomber in defense of another kind, fighting fires in Newfoundland, where it received its current color scheme of orange and green. In 2001, on detached firefighting service near Inuvik, a mishap resulted in its loss in 100 feet of water. The aircraft was written off, but subsequently salvaged by the Fairview Aircraft Restoration Society in Alberta. After lovingly restoring Canso 11094, the society decided the 100th anniversary of the RCAF was the perfect time for a cross-country trip to, among other things, reunite with McRae. One of the crew commented, as they got closer to Yarmouth, the aircraft seemed to know it was returning home, flying faster on each subsequent leg of the trip.
The June 21 memorial service in honour of McRae was an emotional affair, conducted by Reverend Bill Newell and attended by a larger gathering than the airport had seen in years. Dignitaries present included Yarmouth MLA Zack Churchill, Argyle MLA Colton LeBlanc, Town of Yarmouth Deputy Mayor Steve Berry, Municipality of Yarmouth Warden John Cunningham, Municipality of the District of Argyle Warden Danny Muise, Nova Scotia/ Nunavut Command Royal Canadian Legion President Don McCumber and 14 Wing Greenwood’s 404 (Long Range Patrol and Training) Squadron Lieutenant-Colonel Alex Gignac. Also in attendance were numerous veterans and Legion members from the local area. During his remarks, Gignac reflected on McRae’s profound impact on both military and civilian spheres, highlighting his integrity, humility and enduring camaraderie.
Following the service, attendees gathered in the airport lounge for a light lunch, sharing anecdotes and memories of McRae’s exploits. The opportunity to tour the Canso and interact with its crew added a personal touch, reaffirming McRae’s legacy among friends, admirers and fellow veterans.
As the day ended, Yarmouth bid farewell to a cherished son whose legacy will endure for generations. Flight Lieutenant James McRae’s life serves as a beacon of courage, sacrifice and community spirit – a testament to the indelible impact of one man’s unwavering dedication to duty and service. Whenever anyone commented on James, the word “gentleman” came up every time.
McRae’s daughter, Susan Amon, described her 106-year-old father’s April passing neatly: “Dad was honorably discharged from life at 11:00 this morning, April 9.” His last operational flight was aircraft #11094, which arrived in Yarmouth the previous afternoon. Knowing his meticulous nature, Susan believes he planned this departure, too. He passed away at 11 a.m. on the 9th day of the fourth month: 11-09-4. A curious coincidence?
