A World War I flying "ace", McKeever was born and raised in Elma Township. He enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in 1916 but, attracted by the life of the fighter pilot, transferred to Britain's Royal Flying Corps once he was overseas. From May 1917 to January 1918 McKeever was posted to the 11th Squadron on the Western front. An outstanding operator of the two-seater Bristol Fighter, he, with his various observers or gunners, shot down some 30 enemy aircraft during reconnaissance missions and offensive patrols, earning the Military Cross and Bar and the Distinguished Service Order for his "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty". At the end of the war, McKeever returned home where, shortly afterward, he died as the result of a car accident.

Location

In Cenotaph Park, Wallace Avenue North and Elizabeth Street East, Listowel

Themes

• People
• War and conflict