Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Lieutenant-colonel

Unit:

The Perth Regiment, 11th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 5th Canadian (Armoured) Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
On 30 August 1944, during the attack on Feature 111 in the Gothic Line, the leading Company of the Perth Regiment was held up by heavy machine gun fire. After going forward to contact them, Lieutenant-Colonel Reid organized an attack and by first light. The battalion, supported by a squadron of tanks, had captured its objective, and had exploited to Feature 147, well inside the Gothic Line.
The battalion was then ordered to capture Feature 204. At this time the whole area was subjected to very heavy artillery and mortar fire. Disregarding the fire, Lieutenant-Colonel Reid contacted a squadron of the 2 Canadian Armoured Regiment (Lord Strathcona's Horse Royal Canadians) and planned the attack. By night fall, under intense shelling, the battalion had gained it's objective, and although wounded Lieutenant-Colonel Reid moved about organizing the defence of the area.
At 0150 hours 31 August 1944, the position was attacked by a company of infantry, supported by two Self-Propelled guns. Lieutenant-Colonel Reid organized a counter-attack and personally formed two PIAT teams to engage the Self-Propelled guns. One of the PIATS was knocked out and number One on the other became a casualty. Lieutenant-Colonel Reid took over the remaining PIAT and crawled forward himself, knocked out the two Self-Propelled guns. The enemy attack was driven off with heavy losses, but some of the enemy had infiltrated the position and Lieutenant-Colonel Reid was again wounded by a German hand grenade. Although in great pain he refused to be evacuated until the position had been consolidated and the Second-in-Command was on his way forward to relieve him.
The courageous leadership, energy and determination displayed by Lieutenant-Colonel Reid enabled his battalion to be the first to gain a successful foothold in the Gothic Line.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

The Perth Regiment, 11th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 5th Canadian (Armoured) Division, Canadian Army