PRESERVING A LEGACY

Keeping the memory of a WWII Halifax bomber crew alive

- Frank Moore

Retired for almost 20 years now, I’m still motivated and excited in pursuing my lifelong passions of travel, classic cars and Canadian military history. My wife’s parents were active members of the Royal Canadian Legion, both veterans themselves, and both served as past presidents. This accorded me the opportunity to interact with many WWII veterans, which further stimulated my interest in Canadian military history. After retiring to Tillsonburg, Ont., I became a charter member of the Tillsonburg Military History Club during which time I visited several battlefields in Europe where Canadians fought in both World Wars.

In 2008, a brown suitcase was acquired by a collector of military artifacts from the executor and beneficiary of the McCracken estate. The executors stated that there were no other family members here in Canada, as Alexander McCracken and his brother, James, were the only children. Alexander was the navigator on the Halifax bomber HR 864 LQ-M for Mother and his brother James served in the merchant marines.