Albert Henry Reid was 47 years of age when he was killed in action in France in April, 1916 – he is the only casualty noted to date from the Shires of Whittlesea, Epping or Heidelberg to date noted as having earlier served in the Boer War.
After volunteering in 1900, he served as a Sergeant (Regimental Number 73) with the 3rd New South Wales Imperial Bushmen. He was a 32-year-old drover when enlisting, apparently working at Narrandera in New South Wales but with his mother at Doreen as next of kin. He was awarded the standard Queen’s South Africa Medal and 2 clasps.
He listed himself as a bushman from Charters Tower when he enlisted in Brisbane in June, 1915 with his father Cr. William Reid at Hazel Glen as next of kin. William Reid was noted at the time of his son’s death as the second longest serving Councillor of the Whittlesea Shire after Cr. Walter Thomas. He ultimately retired after serving from 1872 to 1922.
Although all getting on in years, three of Albert’s brothers also served in the Great War.
Link to the history of Albert Henry Reid
Link to ozsportshistory.com downloads for WW1
