Douglas Reynolds facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Douglas Reynolds
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| Born | 20 September 1882 Clifton, Bristol, UK |
| Died | 23 February 1916 (aged 33) Le Touquet, France |
| Buried |
Étaples Military Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1900-1916 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Royal Field Artillery |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Legion d’Honneur |
| Relations | Sir John Hunter Maj.-Gen. John William Reynolds Lieut-Gen. Charles Reynolds Adm. Francis Mitchell Rev. Patrick Reynolds Mitchell KCVO Maj.-Gen. Francis Mitchell Lieut-Cmdr. David Reynolds Mitchell |
Douglas Reynolds was a very brave English soldier. He lived from 1882 to 1916. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for courage in the face of the enemy. This special medal is given to soldiers from Britain and Commonwealth countries.
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Douglas Reynolds: A True Hero
Douglas Reynolds was born on September 20, 1882, in Clifton, Bristol, England. His father was also a soldier. Douglas went to school at Cheltenham College. He joined the British Army in 1900. He became a captain in the 37th Battery of the Royal Field Artillery.
His Amazing Bravery in World War I
During World War I, Captain Reynolds showed incredible bravery. On August 26, 1914, in Le Cateau, France, he performed a very heroic act. He led two teams of volunteer drivers to get back two British guns. This happened while the enemy was shooting heavily with artillery and infantry fire.
The enemy soldiers were only about 100 yards away. But Captain Reynolds, with the help of two drivers named Job Henry Charles Drain and Frederick Luke, managed to save one of the guns. They pulled it away safely.
A few days later, on September 9, at Pysloup, he showed courage again. He went very close to the enemy lines to scout. He found an enemy artillery battery that was stopping his army's advance. He then helped to silence it.
Awards and Recognition
For his amazing bravery, Douglas Reynolds received the Victoria Cross. King George V himself presented him with this medal at Buckingham Palace on January 13, 1915.
He also received another important award from France. On November 3, 1914, he was given the French Croix de Chevalier de Legion d’Honneur. This shows how much his bravery was recognized by other countries too.
Later Life and Legacy
Douglas Reynolds later became a Major. Sadly, he was wounded during the war by a gas shell. He died on February 23, 1916, at the Duchess of Westminster's hospital in Le Touquet, France. He was 33 years old.
Major Reynolds is buried in the Étaples Military Cemetery in Northern France. His Victoria Cross medal is on display at the Royal Artillery Museum in Woolwich, London. It reminds everyone of his incredible courage and sacrifice.
