6976983 Sgt Frank McALEER, DCM, 6 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers: 08/05/1943

I would love to locate his son but I have no name and I can’t get into the Irish records to view his marriage detail. With that I would have his wife’s maiden name. I know she was Elizabeth J someone and the son was William born 1937. She was from Fintona. Apart from that I know nothing else. I found where they were living during the war but I dnt know if anyone around there now would know them. I hope William is still alive. I would love to find out about his father. Perhaps someone on this site may be able to help. Take care

 

The Victor featured the story...

 

Thanks a lot for that,I didn't know that existed, it's fantastic!
I'll show it to my mum, she was so proud of her Uncle Frank.

 

That’s amazing I would love to have a copy of that. How would the story have found its’ way to a comic? Thank you for posting it! If I could find William Reid, Ernie’s son I think he would also be proud that Frank was such a good And brave friend to Ernie.

 

Hi Ali, it's a great tribute, isn't it, especially the mention of 'his pal'. He must have thought a lot of Ernie to do that, they must have been great comrades

 

I've contacted the archives of the publisher of the comic, DC Thomson, in Dundee in Scotland, asking for any info they could provide about how the story came to be featured and I'll post anything I find out on here

 

Many thanks really looking forward to it!

 

In 1966 I was 4 and my uncle 11 and I am pretty sure that comic came into granny’s house along with others on a fairly regular basis. Hotspur was another one at some point. Ernie Was her brother and I bet no one ever realised that she just might have bought the very comic for her youngest son with that story in it. Such a shame she missed all this.

 

I know there were war stories and medal achievements in it now I think about it so maybe someone had the job of reading citations for story ideas!

 

Yes, it's a real shame, great that we can uncover it now in their memory. What an unusual way to be featured in a comic strip!

 

It certainly is

 

I have managed to put on hold an original copy of that comic for £4.30 do you want me to get it for you

 

Thanks! I've just sent you an email, I'm able to get scanned copies from the publisher

 

Hi I have purchased two originals am forwarding one to Kathleen as didn’t have any other number but at least the family will have that. I think they employed someone who looked at all first and second war medals awarded so possibly via the Gazette

 

That's great, I'm sure she'd love to see it

 

Thank you for this we have copies now which is just great I am sure Frank and Eddie would laugh if they knew!

 

Good to see that you've got hold of the copies of the comic -- I had had that image of the Victor, which had been passed onto me by the son of Lt Percy Hamilton 6 Innisks, for many years - and had sort of "ignored" it until last week.

They're all having a party today and every day, I've no doubt !!

best wishes

 

I've only just come across this forum, whilst Googling for Frank McAleer - who was my wife's cousin.

I did some research a few years ago, which may provide new information - I'll dig it out and post here if anything new (I do have a copy of the comic!)

I think I can confirm that he was killed in a truck accident - I'm sure I've seen (maybe have a copy of?) his Death Certificate.

 

Thank you very much we have collected a fair bit of info as I have been in touch with Franks nephew and family.

 

Hi Dick, welcome to the forum, any new information is always welcome! Sgt McAleer's sister Mary (married name Sutton) was my mum's mother, so he was my mum 's uncle. I'm just wondering what your wife's' s name is and where was she from, as she's obviously related to my mum. Frank was indeed killed by a truck in an accident and he's buried in Tunisia, it was tragedy for the family. My mum had always spoken about him over the years and it was great to uncover info about him and his great friend Ernie on here. Hope you can give me some more family info. Thanks. Catherine