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

Every year at the beginning of November we bring up the attached picture to our desktop so that my Uncle Clayton will not be forgotten for the ultimate sacrifice he gave so that we could remain free.

On April 10, the Canadian Scottish Regiment and Royal Winnipeg Rifles launched a joint assault on Deventer, Holland at 1215 hours. The Rifles advanced into the southern part of the town and the Canadian Scots into the north. Both were supported by the Sherbrooke's "B" Squadron and each had a troop of Crocodiles. Forward observation officers from the 12th Field Regiment also accompanied the infantry, and the division's three-field regiments shelled previously identified enemy positions.

The Can Scots advanced fifteen minutes ahead of the Rifles, with "B" Company on the left and "D" Company on the right, followed respectively by "A" and "C" Companies. Before them lay a 500-yard-wide open field with the wide anti-tank ditch in its centre. As soon as the infantrymen stepped into the open, they came under heavy fire from the front and left flank. Rifle grenades, machine-gun fire, and 20-millimetre rapid-fire anti-aircraft guns shooting over open sights tore into the Can Scots. At the anti-tank ditch, the fire thickened. Lieutenant Clayton Leroy Mitchell at the head of "B" Company's lead platoon was killed and another platoon leader, Lieutenant K.M. Little, fell wounded. (From the book "On to Victory: The Canadian Liberation of the Netherlands, March 23-May 5, 1945" by Mark Zuehlke.)

Uncle Clayton is buried in Holten Cemetery Holland, on land given to the Canadian Government by the people of Holland so that our fallen loved ones will rest on Canadian land. On Nov 11th, every year the Dutch school children go to the cemetery at sunset and place a burning candle on each of the graves. The people of Holland will not forget these brave Canadians who gave all they had for the liberation of their homeland.

We will not forget you Uncle Clayton. You are our Hero.

(LEST WE FORGET)

From Garry Mitchell and Family

Carrying Place Ontario.

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