Charles Reginald Clayton

1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp, 1939-1945 War Medal

Algonquin Regiment

WW II

Charles Reginald (Reg) Clayton was born 31 May 1922 in Morden, Manitoba to Charles and Phoebe Mary Ann, Polly, (Card)(Hunt) Clayton just a year after they were married. Mary had been married to Harry Hunt of Thornhill, who died during the flu epidemic. Mary came into the marriage with four children, Charles, Ferris, Martha and Gertrude. In 1929 there was a final addition to the Clayton family, a son Kenneth Stewart, (Stew Clayton), who would in later years gain fame as a balladeer and yodeler. The Clayton family farmed at Kaleida, Manitoba and Reg farmed with his father until enlisting.

Private Charles Reginald Clayton joined the army in 1942 and became a member of the Algonquin Regiment. Initially the Regiment served in Canada in a home defence role as part of the 20th Infantry Brigade, 7th Division and in Newfoundland from 07 February 1942 to 06 February 1943. The Algonquin Regiment embarked for Britain 11 June 1943 and landed in France 25 July 1944, as part of the 10th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Armoured Division, and continued to fight in North-west Europe until the end of the war. Reg claimed he had “marched across 4 countries during the war,” not unrealistic when looking at the history of his regiment. He was very proud of having served his country during WW II. At some point in the late spring, early summer of 1945 Reg contracted diphtheria and was hospitalized for 6 months. He was repatriated in late 1945 and eventually demobilised in early 1946.

After being discharged Reg married Doreen Norman of Newton Siding, Manitoba which is approximately 12 miles east of Portage la Prairie. Reg and Doreen farmed for 11 years south of Darlingford. Reg also worked at a local seed plant and for some local farmers. He eventually ended up at Manitoba Pool Elevators and stayed for 24 years, retiring in 1986. Reg and Doreen had 6 children Wendy (Jim) McLeod, Warren (Lana), Douglas (Jean), Gordon (Dawn), Glen (Jackie), and Shelly (Vince) Hink.

Reg was predeceased by his parents, 5 siblings, a grandson and his wife Doreen in 2009.

He is survived by 3 sons, 1 daughter, 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Private Charles Reginald Clayton passed away in July 2014 and is buried at the Darlingford Cemetery, Darlingford, Manitoba.