Mr Arthur Gordon McCrae

 

  
© John Cowper, Australia

Mr Arthur Gordon McCrae, 32, was born in Adelaide on 7 January 1880. Arthur's grandmother was Georgiana Huntly McCrae (1804-1890) the (illegitimate) daughter of George, 5th Duke of Gordon and Jane Graham. Georgiana migrated to Australia with her husband Andrew (1800-1874). They had nine children, the fourth was Farquhar Peregrine R. McCrae, Arthur's father

Arthur was the youngest son of Farquhar Peregrine Gordon McCrae (1838-1915), a former inspector of the Bank of Australasia, Sydney, Australia, and Emily Aphrasia Brown.

Young Arthur with sister Emily, and brother Colin pictured at their Chatswood, Sydney (NSW, Australia) home. © John Cowper, Australia	Family group, taken at Chatswood Back row: Murison, Violet (sister) Second back row: 'Granny' McCrae (Emily) - Arthur's mother, Farquhar - Arthur's father Front row, Emily, Arthur, Francis; In front: Colin © John Cowper, Australia

He was educated at the Sydney Grammar School and at St Paul’s College, Sydney University, and graduated as a Bachelor of Engineering.

Arthur in University days in his St Paul's College - University of Sydney Cricket Blazer
© John Cowper, Australia

After completing his studies he received an appointment at a gold-mine in West Africa, from which he proceeded to the post of assistant-manager of the Spasky copper-mine, Akmolinsk, Siberia. He became engaged to the daughter of the mine manager.

Dressed to brave the Siberian winter. © John Cowper, Australia	Arthur's fiancé. © John Cowper, Australia

McCrae boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a Second Class passenger. He was travelling to meet friends in Canada. He died in the sinking, his body was recovered by the MacKay Bennett (#209) and buried at Fairview Cemetery, Halifax, Nova Scotia on 10 May 1912.

NO. 209 - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 45. FAIR - HAIR. CLOTHING - Blue suit; white canvas shoes; flannel shirt. EFFECTS - Diamond and emerald ring; gold links; two watches; key chain; keys; pencil case; foreign bills; letter case. NAME - GORDON McCRAE.

Later, a Celtic cross was erected at his grave, the tallest among those in the Titanic section.

McCrae's grave at Fairview Cemetery, Halifax
© Bill Fowler, Canada

The inscription reads:

'In Loving memory of Arthur Gordon McCrae B.E., University of Sydney, NS Wales, Australia who lost his life in the wreak of the Titanic, April 1912, 32 years "Faithful unto death'

Notes
One on the mementos his family treasures is a set of silver spoons, from Siberia, now affectionately known as "the Titanic Spoons".

Articles
Unknown Newspaper (Sydney, Australia), 1912, Obituary

Documents
Record of Bodies and Effects: Passengers and Crew, S.S. Titanic (Public Archives of Nova Scotia) (#209)

Contributors
John Cowper, Australia (Great Nephew of Arthur Gordon McCrae)
Bob Knuckle, Canada

     

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Summary
Born: Wednesday 7th January 1880
Age: 32 years
Last Residence: in Sydney New South Wales Australia
Occupation: Engineer
2nd Class passenger
First Embarked: Southampton on Wednesday 10th April 1912
Ticket No. 237216 , £13 10s
Died in the sinking.
Body recovered by: Mackay-Bennett (No. 209)
Buried: Fairview Lawn Cemetery Halifax Nova Scotia Canada on Saturday 11th May 1912.

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