Helmer, Alexis

  • From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: See full biography at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexis_Helmer
  • Wiki Biography:
    • Alexis Hannum Helmer (29 June 1892 – 2 May 1915) was killed in battle during the Great War while serving with the 2nd Battery, 1st Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery. He is known as being part of the inspiration for “In Flanders Fields” through his friendship with John McCrae.
    • Richard Alexis Helmer came from a loyalist military family, originally from Williamsburg, Dundas County. He served as a major in the 43rd Ottawa and Carleton Rifles, the same regiment his uncle, William Z. Helmer, had served in as a Captain during the Fenian Raids. His grandfather, Richard Helmer, served in the 1st Dundas Militia during the Rebellions of 1837–1838, his great grandfather, Johannes Pillar, served in the Dundas Militia during the War of 1812, and his other great grandfather, John Philip Helmer, served in the 1st KRRNY during the American Revolution.

      “In Flanders Fields” is a war poem in the form of a rondeau, written during the First World War by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. He was inspired to write it on May 3, 1915, after presiding over the funeral of friend and fellow soldier Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, at which time he noted how poppies quickly grew around the graves of those who died at Ypres. The next day, he composed the poem while sitting in the back of an ambulance at an Advanced Dressing Station outside Ypres. This location is today known as the John McCrae Memorial Site.
  • Second Great Grandson to United Empire Loyalist listed in Loyalist Directory: https://uelac.ca/loyalist-directory/detail/?wpda_search_column_id=3734
  • Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/12051999/alexis_hannum-helmer