Captured Kleve Garrison Standard

1210 mm x 1370 mm, this three colour standard has a large black rayon swastika sewn upon a white cotton circle, placed upon a red field. The upper corner closest to the spine exhibits a 170 mm x 205 mm garrison identification, white embroidered letters "Kleve 7" sewn upon a black felt backer, trimmed in white cord brocade. The red field fabric wraps around the spine, reinforcing its strength. Attached to the spine are seven intact grommets with loop clips, used for suspension. The standard is unique, in that it features a handwrittem message, written by a Canadian soldier, in the white circle on the reverse reading "Russell Graham, S.D. & G. Highlander's, Lock #19, Petb. (Peterborough) Ont. PHONE - 4174". It has thin gold bullion tasels sewn on three sides, reinforced by a strip of gold bullion on the obverse. The standard is lightly stained but remains in better than very fine condition. Footnote: The bombardment and subsequent capture of Kleve and the adjoining Reichswald Forest was part of the Battle of the Rhineland, fought in the winter of February 1945. Canada was part of this advancing Allied force, with one of the units participating being the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Highlanders, as evidenced by the "SG & G Highlander's" designation on the flag's reverse. It is probable that this flag was repatriotated from the Kleve garrison by this unit. Many soldiers died in the advance through the Reichwald Forest and the actual crossing of the Rhine and are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, located between Kleve, Germany and Gennep, Netherlands.