CP24.com readers were asked to share their Remembrance Day stories with us, whether they participated in the war or grew up with a loved one in service. These are their memories and the photos that have defined their experience.

Memories

This photo was taken October 2010. In it, I am paying tribute and giving my respects to my great-uncle, Herman Woodburn Astles (born 15 Jun.1898 New Carlisle Que.), Private 889701, Canadian Infantry, 24th Battalion at Passchendaele New British Cemetery, Passchendaele, Belgium.

My great uncle joined the Canadian Expetionary Force at age 18 in New Carlisle, Quebec. After training in Canada and England, he was deployed to the trenches in Belgium and took part in the Battle of Passchendaele in November of 1917.

On the final day of the Battle, November 6th, Herman Woodburn Astles was killed by rifle fire at age 19. It should be noted that the Canadians were triumphant in this battle and captured the town of Passchendaele.

It should also be noted that my father Herman Woodburn Astles (1929-2007) was named after my great uncle.

Here is a poem, that was written by Theo Holtzheuser in tribute of my great uncle. "Side by Side, I Did My Part"

I am a boy from Gaspe, Astles is my name, Flowers in my blood, I love my family, and my home.

The King calls for me to help, I step up, for duty calls, Eighteen is my age, Off to, a distant land.

The reason is, to free that land. A place far from my own, To give, to serve, to help. I will give, for Astles is my name.

In Flanders Fields I now reside, My comrades help me through the day, Far from home, we share the fight, Passchendaele, is our plight.

Bullets, bombs, cries for help, The sounds that are my life, November sixth, we push forth, This is the day, I leave this earth.

Now I rest in Flanders Fields, Amongst my comrades side by side, Passchendaele was ours at last, I gave my all for this to keep.

The great war is over, My part, the take, Passchendaele, I served the Canadian Infantry, I gave my best, for Astles is my name.

With my comrades, side by side, We watch over that we won. For these fields of Flanders, We are on guard for ever more.

I thank you for the pleasure, To have served, to give up my life, The cause was good and just, Peace is ours' at last,

Private H.W. Astles, I am Family, country, duty, Side by side, I did my part.

Thank you for letting us share our remembrances.

Cynthia Astles-Darlington

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