So that we don't forget. 1,394 soldiers are buried at the Canadian Cemetery in Holten. They are committed to our freedom. With every stone, a family grieves and behind each stone lies a story. Stories that we want to tell for days to come.

About Charles Cridland, for example, buried in grave 10-H-15. Exactly 100 years ago, he was born on Christmas Eve in London. During the Lights ceremony this Christmas afternoon at the Canadian Cemetery in Holten, we reflected on his life story.

At a young age, he immigrated to Canada with his parents and brothers. When he joined Canada as an Englishman in 1944, eldest brother John Alfred was already stationed in Europe. In 1945, Charles also went that way. On April 10, he will be assigned to the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps in the Netherlands. His army unit is responsible for moving supplies from the rear areas to the front lines. Charles survives the war. After the German surrender, his regiment remained active in liberated Western Europe. A mission in peace would kill him. Charles (only 20 years old) and a buddy die in a fatal accident involving their broken truck.

Read the story of an Englishman in the Canadian Army who gave his life for our freedom now: https://levensverhalen.canadesebegraafplaatsholten.nl/cridland-charles-e-e/

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