PRESERVING A LEGACY
Keeping the memory of a WWII Halifax bomber crew alive
Helping to keep the memory of the crew of a World War II Halifax bomber alive.
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.
These family artifacts were about to be auctioned individually on the Internet and realizing this I made an o er to purchase the suitcase in its entirety in 2013. My decision to do so was based on two factors: First, I could not bring myself to allow the legacy and military history of this family to be lost forever, and second, I felt some degree of kinship to Alexander in that, prior to him joining the air force he was a junior clerk and teller at the Royal Bank of Canada in Montreal. I started my career with the Royal Bank in exactly the same way. The di erence was that he gave his life for his country and in so doing, in no small measure provided myself and my generation the opportunity of having successful careers, marrying, having children and enjoying grandchildren into our golden years.
The suitcase contained an incredible story that was very much like an onion, every time a layer was peeled back another part of the story was revealed. A trove of material was discovered on Flight Ocer (F/O) Alexander Mccracken which included his service medals along with his father’s from WWI. Also included were exchanges of letters between the crew’s mothers and various notifications from RCAF authorities. All of which o ered a rare view of courage and trauma on the home front among a group of mothers awaiting ocial word on the fate of their sons missing in action.
In collaboration with a close friend, Ben Mayville, we worked together doing the research. Ben with his forensic background uncovered the details surrounding the downing of the aircraft over Ten Boer, Holland. Once this was identified it became readily apparent that the story unfolding
required more than just putting everything back into the suitcase. It became clear to me that the historical background of the downing of this bomber needed to be told. The best way in my mind to do this was through the commissioning of a piece of art that could be presented to the municipality of Ten Boer. This is when Jeremy Van Dyke, another close friend, came into the picture and agreed that he would sponsor the artwork. Doug Bradford, a renowned watercolor artist from Sault Ste Marie, Ont., armed with the details of the German night fighter’s account, suggested the commission depict the night the bomber was shot down as the skies were clear with unusually bright aurora borealis.
Arrangements were made to travel to Holland and make a special presentation to the municipality of Ten Boer. A small group of eight Canadians made the journey and we were warmly received by the mayor and town counsellors on April 26, 2016. After the ocial presentation in chambers and dedication at the gravesite, the day was capped o by a wonderful reception that was held only a few steps away from the crew’s final resting place. This to me was a once in a lifetime experience.
I won’t admit that I’m getting older but now that the Mccracken suitcase has been in my possession for approximately seven years, I have long contemplated what should eventually become of it. The collection was almost split apart once, and it would be a disservice to the Mccracken family to have their history torn apart again. In order to safeguard that from happening I have decided to donate the complete collection to the town of Ten Boer, keeping in mind my wishes to ensure the collection remains in public hands, displayed for public viewing (not archived) and utilized for educational purposes deemed to be in the best interest of their community. Our next pilgrimage to Ten Boer was planned for May 4, 2020, along with direct descendants of two crew members, namely pilot Mickey Tomczak and tail gunner Michael Smyth. Arrangements were made and approximately 50 Canadians planned to attend. All for not, as the global coronavirus pandemic forced us to cancel. Our goal will be achieved eventually when it becomes safe to travel.