Clayton Bruce Searle

Gunner, 70th Battery / 16th Field Regiment / 8th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment
Royal Canadian Army

Clayton Bruce Searle enlisted in Brandon, Manitoba, on July 9, 1940, at the age of 18. He was employed in various jobs at the time of enlistment.

He completed initial artillery training at Camp Shilo and later advanced training at Debert, Nova Scotia.

Clayton’s regiment later converted to the 8th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, operating 40mm Bofors guns.

He deployed overseas on August 8, 1942, sailing from Halifax aboard the Capetown Castle and arriving in Liverpool.

While stationed in England, his unit defended against German V-1 flying bombs.

He landed in France on July 27, 1944, at Courseulles-sur-Mer and advanced through:

During service, Clayton contracted jaundice and spent approximately two and a half months in hospital before returning to duty.

He volunteered for Pacific service, but Japan surrendered before further deployment.

He was discharged in Winnipeg on October 25, 1945.

After the war, Clayton trained as a barber in Regina and later returned to Brandon.

He married Gladys Lorraine Baker in 1948.

In 1951, the family moved to Minnedosa, where Clayton barbered until 1968 before becoming Manager of the Minnedosa Golf Course.

He also served as assistant ice maker at the Minnedosa Arena for eighteen winters.

Clayton was active in the Legion, United Church, and was a founding member of the AOTS Christian Men’s Club.

He passed away June 4, 2016, at the age of 93.