Not Forgotten, 206204 Sergeant Reginald James REID MM, 16 New Zealand Field Regiment, Korea

Reginald Reid was born in Goomalling on 16 March 1926, the son of James Brown Reidand Martha nee Cottrell. James Reid farmed at Minnivale and Reg grew up there. He was well liked in Minnivale, involved in community things, helpful and kind. He was tooyoung to serve in World War II but he joined the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces in Japan and after discharge from that force he went to New Zealand where he joined the New Zealand Artillery when the Korean War broke out. By training Reg Reid was a cable jointer, and he continued this when he served with the New Zealand army Kayforce from 1950. The citation for his Military Medal tells us that in the army Reid was a battery Signal Sergeant and he was not only a capable and efficient linesman, but his personal courage and devotion to duty was far in excess of the ordinary. He maintained lines under the most appalling conditions of weather, terrain and enemy action ensuring that vital artillery support could be sustained. The citation goes on to give a couple of examples of Reid’s work. On the night of 4 and 5 of November 1951 heavy enemy attacks meant the lines between the guns and the Battery Commander’s HQ for Reid’s company were being continually knocked out. Reid was outthere maintaining the lines regardless of his own personal safety, and inspiring the menunder his command and those around him to do their best as well. Later when the HQ needed to withdraw, Reid was there organising the communication lines once more. Again on 5 and 6 April 1952 Reid’s company came under heavy shelling and lines to the operation post were cut. The citation says that the speedy and accurate fire that broke up what could have been a dangerous attack was in no small measure due to Reid’s repair work. Not only has Reid been proved a good signaler, the citation says, but he is a fine leader and by splendid example has induced his comrades to give of their best. Sadly Reg Reid was killed on 2 May 1953 at the age of 27 and is buried in Korea. Reid’s Military Medal was accepted by his mother Martha and his sister Madge at Government House in Perth from Queen Elizabeth II. Reid’s medals, including the Military Medal, Korea Medal, the United Nations Medal for Korea, the New Zealand Operational Service Medal are held by the 16 New Zealand Field Regiment.