43171 Sir John Roskell Francis Reynolds, Bt., MBE, 2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GUARDS

From The Peerage:
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From IG Journal, 1957:

OBITUARY
Lieutenant Colonel Sir John REYNOLDS, Bt., M.B.E.

As the years flow by and memories become dimmed, there are yet in many regiments one or two names that are always remembered. So it will surely be in the IRISH GUARDS and especially among those of the old 2nd Armoured Battalion, and the name will be that of Jack REYNOLDS.

As an infantry soldier he had fought with them at BOULOGNE, and then for most of the war he commanded their Headquarter Squadron. In those days he was always the oldest man in the Battalion, old enough to be the father of many of the Officers and men, and he could even give a few months to the oldest of those commanding Officers whom he had served so loyally and well. Far beyond the official age for a fighting soldier, he preferred to stick by the men and the Battalion he loved so well.

Experience and knowledge of the world, wisdom and commonsense, modesty and tact were allied with great charm and sterling integrity, and in times of action he was famed for his personal courage and contempt of danger. As in the tedious months of training in ENGLAND many in doubt or worry had turned to him for advice and had come away enriched and encouraged - one at least of his commanding Officers will ever remember him with gratitude - so in the days of battle he was always there, a rock of security and confidence, scotching the idle rumour, strengthening the weary, comforting the shaken, and all the time ensuring, in partnership with their famous Quartermaster, that everything the man needed, mails or clothing, ammunition or petrol, food or drink, was supplied regularly and fully.

We who had the honour of serving with him and the privilege of his friendship well know that in the years to come, when the men who served in the 2nd IRISH GUARDS gather together, the name of “Sir John” will be recalled in honoured and grateful remembrance.

 

From The Catholic Herald, 24 August 1956:

 

Personal Number: 43171
Rank: Major
Name: Sir John Roskell Francis REYNOLDS, Bt.
Unit: Irish Guards

London Gazette : 11 October 1945
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37302/supplement/4995/data.pdf
The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North-West Europe:—
To be Additional Members of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order: —
Major (temporary) Sir John Roskell Francis REYNOLDS, Bt. (43171), Irish Guards (London, S.W.1).

London Gazette : 29 July 1949
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/38676/supplement/3686/data.pdf
I. G'ds.
Lt. (War Subs. Maj.) Sir John R. F. REYNOLDS, Bt., M.B.E. (43171) having exceeded the age limit of liability to recall, cease's to belong to the Res. of Offrs., 30th July 1949, and is granted the hon. rank of Lt.-Col.

 

2nd Armoured Battalion Irish Guards: Pre-embarkation List, May 1944

HQ Squadron, 2 Armoured Irish Guards

Serial: 32
Vehicle No: Z4859742
Type of Vehicle: 15 Cwt W/T RCS (Guy) ( A )

• 43171 Sir John Roskell Francis Reynolds, Bt., MBE, 2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GUARDS Major, Sqn Ldr
• 3855257 C WINSTANLEY, 2 Irish Guards Corporal, Op/WL
• 2380565 J CATHCART, 2 Irish Guards Signalman, D/Op
• 2327994 J SMITH, 2 Irish Guards Signalman, Op/WL

Total Officer: 1
Total Other Ranks: 3

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