My Father never spoke much of the War and his Service although the three of us, his Sons, knew that he was very proud of his service and his Country. He kept in touch with some of his "comrades in arms" and later in life had a hidden away display of his service bars and medals.
I am his middle son, Don Kraichy, and have tried to piece together what I can of his past service as he passed on in 1996. The family had a few records that we have perused and I have written the Department of Defence requesting information (so far unsuccessfully). I have also conducted web searches and visited one of his past detachment headquarters museum, the "Seaforth Highlanders" here in Vancouver.
I do know that Dad ran away from home and volunteered in Winnipeg, Manitoba and since being under age,decided to enlist under the assumed name of a Joseph Kukura, after visiting a local Cemetary(you can guess the rest). I know that his Mother, my Grandmother, later finding this out, wrote the Canadian Military demanding his return home. He always claimed that even being under age, they had to much time and money invested in his training to return him to Winnipeg. His service number is H1091 and along with the Seaforth Highlanders with which he served from 20 Feb 1945 until wounded on 13 April, 1945 in Italy, he also served with the "Princess Patricia" and "Winnipeg Rifles" regiments(I believe). I know my Dad served as a Medical aid and was trained in Mountaineering (Mountain climbing/repelling) as we did have a few pictures of his training time here in British Columbia. I also know he fondly talked of a fellow Highlander, a man by the name of "Bowie" that he visited once or twice after the war. Much more I do not know.
I thank the Curator of the "Seaforth Highlander" musem in Vancouver who allowed me to visit the regiment headquarters and museum.
I would appreciate anyone who knew of my Father or who may have served with him to contact me as I would truly value and appreciate any and all information.
To all of our veterans, may God Bless you for your Service and Sacrifices and may we never forget!
