It may have taken close to 70 years, but Clive Upton finally got his due.
The Maple Ridge veteran was wounded in the Second World War and last month was finally awarded his wound stripe, recognizing his sacrifice so many years ago.
Upton was hit by shrapnel while fighting in France a few months after D-Day, injuring his right arm and leg. Luckily the Allies had taken over a local hospital just days earlier, allowing him to receive medical care promptly. After 10 days in the French hospital, Upton was taken back to England, then back home to British Columbia.
Upton and his family didn’t realize he was eligible for the recognition until a few years ago.
His daughter, Denise Douglas, contacted the Canadian Forces, and despite it being close to 70 years after the fact, the military issued Upton his wound stripe.
On Feb. 25, his family came to surprise him with the honour at the home he shares with his wife of 60 years, Eileen, at Willow Manor seniors’ home in Maple Ridge.
“We didn’t realize he was entitled to it until a couple years ago,” said Douglas. “He was thrilled when we showed up to present it to him.”
Douglas said the injury still causes her father, who turns 90 this year, a considerable amount of pain, and there are still pieces of shrapnel embedded in his leg.
“He’s very proud of his service,” she said. “It was wonderful to see his sacrifice recognized. It was very important for him.”