Reginald Leonard Haine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Reginald Leonard Haine
VC MC
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| Born | 10 July 1896 Wandsworth, London, England |
| Died | 12 June 1982 (aged 85) Lambeth, London, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army British Indian Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | Honourable Artillery Company |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Military Cross |
| Other work | Chartered accountant |
Reginald Leonard Haine (born July 10, 1896 – died June 12, 1982) was a brave officer in the British Army. He was from England and received the Victoria Cross. This is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. He also received the Military Cross.
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Bravery in World War I
Reginald Haine was only 20 years old when he fought in the First World War. He was a junior officer, called a Second Lieutenant, in a unit called the 1st Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company. He earned his Victoria Cross for something amazing he did during this war.
Heroic Actions in France
On April 28 and 29, 1917, near a place called Gavrelle in France, British soldiers were holding a part of their battle line that stuck out into enemy territory. This area was called a "salient." German forces kept attacking it over and over.
Second Lieutenant Haine showed incredible courage. He planned and led six attacks using bombs against a strong German position. He and his men successfully captured the spot, taking 50 German soldiers as prisoners and seizing two machine guns.
However, the enemy quickly fought back and took the position again. But Second Lieutenant Haine didn't give up. He quickly set up a strong defense in his trench. He held this position all through the night. The next morning, he attacked again and recaptured the important spot. His amazing example kept his men inspired during more than 30 hours of non-stop fighting.
You can hear Reginald Haine talking about some of his experiences from the First World War in the film They Shall Not Grow Old by Peter Jackson.
Awarded the Military Cross
Later, Haine served with the 35th Sikhs, a unit of the Indian Army. He was awarded the Military Cross for his brave actions on the North West Frontier of India on May 17, 1919.
The award recognized his "conspicuous gallantry." During a fight near the top of a hill, he worked hard to gather his men for an attack. He did this even while facing very heavy enemy fire. When the decision was made to move back, he made sure all the wounded soldiers were safely moved before he left.
You can find more about Reginald Haine's life on the Imperial War Museums' website, where he is remembered.
Life After the Wars
Reginald Haine continued his military career and eventually became a Lieutenant Colonel. During the Second World War, he commanded a Home Guard battalion. The Home Guard was a defense organization made up of local volunteers in the United Kingdom.
After his military service, he became a chartered accountant, which is a type of financial expert.
His Medal
Reginald Haine's Victoria Cross medal is very important. His family has loaned it to the Imperial War Museum in London so that people can see it. A copy of the medal is also on display at the Headquarters of the Honourable Artillery Company in London.
