It is with great sadness that the Juno Beach Centre learned of the passing of Second World War veteran Gordon Schottlander, who died in Burlington, Ontario, at the age of 101.

Born in London, England, on January 10, 1925, Schottlander grew up as the son of a First World War veteran. An only child, he spent his early years attending boarding school in Brighton. When the Second World War began, his school closed, and his formal education came to an abrupt end. Like many young men of his generation, he answered the call to serve.

Schottlander joined the British Army as soon as he was able and became a signalman with the Royal Berkshire Regiment. After training on the Isle of Man and in Scotland, he was sent to the Mediterranean Theatre, where he served along the Mareth Line in Tunisia. For his service there, he was awarded the Africa Star.

Returning to England, Schottlander soon prepared for one of the most significant operations of the war. On June 6, 1944, he crossed the English Channel to take part in the D-Day landings. Landing alongside soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division at Juno Beach, his unit helped secure the beachhead and provided communications and logistical support. During the fighting in the Norman countryside, a German mortar shell exploded nearby, and Schottlander was seriously wounded by shrapnel in his leg. His injuries brought his combat service to an end.

Gordon Schottlander during his service with the Royal Berkshire Regiment during the Second World War (Courtesy of Gordon Schottlander).

Following evacuation and treatment in several hospitals, Schottlander was later posted to Northern Ireland, where he met his future wife, Colleen. He completed his military service with the Royal West African Frontier Force based in Freetown before returning to civilian life.

After the war, Gordon and Colleen emigrated to Canada and settled in Burlington, Ontario, where he became deeply involved in community life. He served as President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Burlington Planning Board, and was active with the Knights of Columbus. In recognition of his contributions, he was named Burlington’s Citizen of the Year in 1968 and later received the Key to the City. In 2024, he was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his service to his community and country.

Schottlander remained closely connected to the legacy of D-Day and the Juno Beach Centre. He was an integral supporter of the Juno Beach Centre Association and attended commemorative events marking the 75th and 79th anniversaries of D-Day in Burlington. His presence at these events served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the liberation of Europe.

Gordon Schottlander attending commemorative events marking the 79th anniversary of D-Day at the Naval Ships Memorial Monument in Burlington, 2023 (Peter McCusker photo, Burlington Today / Juno Beach Centre Association).

Gordon was also a contributor and donor to the Association, supporting its mission to preserve and share the stories of those who served. During one home visit, he was presented with a Canadian flag on behalf of the Centre by our Executive Director, a moment that reflected both his enduring connection to the Juno Beach Centre and his lifelong commitment to remembrance.

Gordon Schottlander, holding the Canadian flag presented to him on behalf of the Juno Beach Centre by the Association’s Executive Director (Juno Beach Centre Association).

A familiar and respected presence at Remembrance Day ceremonies in Burlington, Schottlander continued to honour the memory of those who served and sacrificed during the war. He was often accompanied by his grandson Dave, representing the generations who carry forward that legacy.

Schottlander’s long life was marked by devotion to both family and community. Together, Gordon and Colleen raised four sons and were later surrounded by 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

In March 2025, Gordon Schottlander shared his experiences during an oral history interview conducted at his home in Burlington by Scott Masters and Zach Dunn. His memories form part of the ongoing effort to preserve the stories of those who witnessed the events of the Second World War firsthand.

With Gordon Schottlander’s passing, we are reminded once again of the rapidly diminishing number of living witnesses to D-Day and the liberation of Europe. Their stories remain vital to our understanding of the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom.

We will remember him.