William Frederick Reid
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 28 Jan 1923 |
| Place of Birth | Perth, Western Australia |
| Death | 14 Jan 1996, aged 72 |
| Place of Death | Mandurah, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 19 years, 4 months |
| Occupation | Wood cutter |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Bedfordale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr George Jesse Reid |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W62681 |
| Date of Enlistment | 26 May 1942 |
| Rank | Trooper |
| Unit/Formation | 10th Australian Light Horse Regiment ww2 |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Remained in Australia |
Pre War
War Service
William enlisted in the CMF at Armadale on 28 May 1942 as a General Reinforcement. He was called up for full time duty two months later on 28 Jul 1942. On 5 Aug 1942 Bill was posted to the 13th Australian Infantry Training Battalion at Northam, and on 10 Aug 1942 he was posted to the 10th Australian Light Horse Regiment ww2. On 6 Sep 1942 he was charged with having Left a place of parade without permission, leading to him being awarded seven days Confined to Barracks.
He was transferred on 28 Nov 1942 to the 25th Australian Cavalry Training Squadron, but returned on 15 Jan 1943 to the 10th Australian Light Horse Regiment. On 1 Feb 1943 Bill was AWOL for an hour or two leading to an automatic loss of a day's pay. On 13 Apr 1943 he was deemed to be an absconder, and a Warrant was issued for his arrest. Subsequently, n 8 May 1943 he was charged with being an illegal absentee and a Court of Inquiry was held:
Proceedings of a District Court Martial held at Claremont, WA on 17 Aug 1943. Charge 1. While on Active Service absenting himself without leave, in that he at Claremont, WA on 6 Apr 1943 absented himself without leave from the Western Australian Line of Command Area Leave and Transit Depot until reporting to Western Australian Line of Command Area General Details Depot at Claremont, WA on 8 Aug 1943. Charge 2 While on Active Service losing by neglect his equipment, clothing and Regimental necessaries, in that he, at a kit inspection at Claremont, WA on 11 Aug 1943 was deficient of articles of equipment, clothing and Regimental necessaries to the total value of £20-19-6d ($41.95). Finding Guilty of both charges. Sentence Detention for six months and to be put under stappoages of £20-19-6d ($41.95). Date of Sentence17 Aug 1943. Confirmation Sentence confirmed by Commander Western Australian Line of Command Area, 19 Aug 1943. Promulgated 21 Aug 1943. Forfeitures of Pay Period of AWL 125 days. period of detention 184 days, period of close arrest from 9 Aug 1943 to 16 Aug 1943, both days inclusive, 8 days. Total StoppageThree hundred and seventeen days pay (317), and Twenty Pounds Nineteen Shillings and Sixpence, £20-19-6d ($41.95)
Bill was paper transferred on 17 Aug 1943 to Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot's General Reinforcements while in custody. On 4 Sep 1943 Bill was admitted to 110th Australian Base Hospital for assessment of his mental status. On 19 Sep 1943 the sentence was suspended, and two days later on 21 Sep 1943 a Medical Board reclassified him "D". On 24 Sep 1943 he was returned to Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot, this time to be discharged. Bill was discharged on 25 Oct 1943.
Post War
Married Hilda Gladys Allen during 1959. Hilda died in Kelmscott on 9 Feb 1978 aged 69.
Electoral Roll entries: 1949 - 1958 Wungong, woodman; 1968 - 1980 at 79 Railway avenue, Armadale, truck driver
Notes