Quarter-Master Sergeant Alexander McRae was born in the Parish of Kintoul, Rosshire and attested for the 78th Foot in April 1793. Embarked for the Cape of Good Hope at the end of that year, he was subsequently posted with the 1st Battalion to India and served in the Java operations of 1811, his advancement to Quarter-Master Sergeant being confirmed in December 1813. McRae was invalided home in June 1815 and discharged at Chelsea that October, a 'wounded left leg' being among his disabilities. Interestingly, having lived until June 1855, he was also the recipient of a three-clasp Army of India Medal, having been present at Assye, Argaum and Gawilghur during his long period of service in the East.