Bonfire: The Chestnut Gentleman

Bonfire is the true story behind the beloved WWI poem In Flanders Fields written by Lt.Colonel John McCrae and the reason we wear the red poppy to this day as an international symbol of Remembrance. Although fictionalized and told by McCraes war horse Bonfire the story is closely based on the real history and events of the time. Bonfire was with John McCrae from the beginning of WWI at Camp Valcartier Quebec in the fall of 1914 to the end of McCraes life in France January of 1918. All of McCraes letters and diaries from the war had mention of Bonfire his antics and how much that horse meant to his master. Bonfire was McCraes link to decency beauty and sanity during those traumatic days. Bonfire injects new life into that indelible poem In Flanders Fields. The story also shines a light on the service of animals during the Great War particularly horses mules and dogs. Bonfire contains 24 fascinating archival photographs including one never published of John McCrae plus a stunning aerial photograph of the position McCrae and his artillery brigade were in during the 2nd Battle of Ypres - the actual spot where In Flanders Fields was written. The latter was taken by German baron von Kanne in April of 1915. Bonfire - The Chestnut Gentleman is for ages 12 and up.