Derrick Cracknell was born in Holborn in 1921. His father was the Manager of Barclays Bank, 76 Mare Street, Hackney and his mother was Daisy Muriel Failes. His father died in 1930 leaving £4,352-4-3. The family were living in Finchley at that time.
He had joined the RAFVR prior to 1942 and was sent to the United States in that year. He sailed from Gourock on a US Army Transport on 7 August 1942 and arrived in New York on 5 September.
Derrick was a Sergeant with 679 Squadron when he was lost with Martinet MS700 at RAF Ipswich on February 10th 1944 along with Aircraftman 1st Class R.H.W. Overman (1725311) His mother was living in East Horsley.
He is buried in Brookwood Cemetery Plot 21 C 6.
His connection to Christ Church has not been found.