Of Tragedy and Valor
Leonard Victor Reid

Leonard Victor Reid was was born at Encounter Bay on 28th September 1889. 

Len enlisted in the army in 1915 and received training in Victoria. He went overseas as a Sergeant of the 13th Light Horse, A Squadron, on the SS Persic as part of the 6th Australian convoy to the Great War. He disembarked in Egypt where the regiment was transferred to the 2nd Australian Division. They soon embarked from Alexandria for Gallipoli and a letter to his grandmother; Caroline, indicated that he spent his 26th birthday in the trenches at Lone Pine.

In December 1915 Len was wounded and sailed back to Egypt where he defended the Canal Zone. He then sailed for France and landed in Marseilles where he joined the 1st A& NZ Mounted Regiment, France. He was soon transferred to the 1st Anzac Army Corps and moved north to Flanders.

He received rapid promotion in the field through the noncommissioned ranks until he became a Regimental Sergeant Major. He was then promoted to officer status in November 1917 and fought in the trenches around Villers Brettoneux for some time. 

On 1st January 1919 Len was awarded the Military Cross and his citation is stated below;

“For excellent and continuous good service. On 24th April,1918, Lieut. Reid with his Troop was attached to the 15th Australian Infantry Brigade, and by his example and skilful handling of his troop obtained the most valuable information.

When the enemy were in occupation of Villers Brettoneux, Lt. Reid and his men were instrumental in clearing up the obscurity of the position, and after our counter-attack on the night of the 24th/25th April, assisted in obtaining information of the flanks of the two Brigades to effect their junction.

Since August 8th, Lt Reid has done valuable work with mounted patrols, keeping in touch with enemy rearguards and maintaining communication with flanks. His work throughout has been of a conspicuously high order.”

In March 1919 Len embarked on the H.T. Karoa for return to Australia. 

He returned to Victor Harbour and married Elsie Wilton and there were later two children of the marriage. Len Reid ran a successful butcher shop business in Victor Harbour for many years. Len was the first president of the Victor Harbor RSL. During World War Two, Len served in the army as a recruiting officer.

Leonard Victor Reid died on 29 August 1981 and is buried in the Victor Harbor Cemetery.

With thanks to Ian MILNES, History Research Team, Victor Harbor RSL Sub-Branch