Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Six: Regimental Sergeant Major H. Reid, 2nd Battalion, London Irish Rifles (The Royal Ulster Rifles)

1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (7009295 W.O. Cl. 1. H. Reid. R.U. Rif.) contact marks overall, nearly very fine (6) £140-£180

Hugh Reid was born in Portaferry, County Down in August 1903. He attested for the Royal Ulster Rifles in February 1923, and served with the 1st Battalion in Germany, Egypt, Hong Kong and India. Reid advanced to Sergeant in 1937, and transferred to the 2nd Battalion, London Irish Rifles in 1939. He served with the Battalion during the Second War as part of the 38th (Irish) Brigade, 6th Armoured Division in North Africa from November 1942. Reid served as Regimental Sergeant Major with the Battalion during several hard fought actions in Tunisia, during which time it suffered heavy casualties - almost to the point of annihilation. The Battalion was subsequently engaged in Sicily, crossed to the Italian mainland in September 1943, where, among other actions, it fought at Termoli and on the Barbara Line, was present at the crossing of the River Sangro and in the Cassino battle in the Spring of 1944. After a brief period of rest out of the line, it then rejoined the campaign in the Po Valley and fought in the battle for Argenta Gap. Reid later served on the staff of No. 4 & 5 Reception Camp, C.M.F., and was discharged in August 1945, having served for 22 years and 266 days.

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