William Reynolds executed 1944

Discussion in 'General' started by Simon165, Aug 10, 2020.

  1. Simon165

    Simon165 Member

    Was not sure what forum to place this in, but i am wondering if the above man received any Honours for his actions, i enclose a very brief and interesting outline of his WW2 actions, i have seen the Belgian site but it does not mention any honours.

    Trooper William Reynolds Ex-16th Lancers. age 53 Murdered by Germans 1944

    William had served in the 16th Lancers during WW1, and after moved to Belgium, were he kept a boarding house, when WW2 started he moved to Brussels and worked as a Butler. However that was his day job, as during the night, he worked with helping British servicemen to escape, and ran a spying ring, sending back information to England. He worked for the Comte line and other organisations against the Nazis but along with others he was betrayed to the Germans in 1942 by a Englishwoman and was arrested, he was tortured and interrogated for 16 months by the Gestapo but never betrayed anyone.

    On the 24th of January 1944 at Brandenburg Prison he was tried and executed. One other prisoner present said, when the President of the Court announced the death sentence, he asked William if he had anything to say. He answered. "I regret nothing i have done. Long Live England"

    His body was returned to Belgium, like i say just a brief account of a brave man.
     
  2. horsapassenger

    horsapassenger Senior Member

    It looks as though, had he lived, he would have been awarded the King’s Medal for Courage in the Cause of Freedom. However this could not be awarded posthumously so his widow simply received a level 4 Certificate of Appreciation (Tedder Certificate).
     

    Attached Files:

    stolpi likes this.
  3. Simon165

    Simon165 Member

    Thank you very much for this.
     
  4. Harry Ree

    Harry Ree Very Senior Member

    There is a very good source relating to WW2 Belgium resistance here with an article on William Reynolds.

    http://home.clara.net/clinchy/neeball.htm

    Examples of bravery and moral courage abound within this excellent website
     
    timuk, stolpi and Lindele like this.
  5. horsapassenger

    horsapassenger Senior Member

    Although the dates suggest otherwise I wonder whether this file might associated to your enquiries
     

    Attached Files:

    Harry Ree likes this.
  6. Simon165

    Simon165 Member

    Thank you, sorry for late reply, only just returned to site, yes i think thats great will set about getting this, when things return to nearer normality, again thank you and sorry for late reply.
     
  7. Simon165

    Simon165 Member

    Many Thanks to Gary for getting me this file, which has raised a question. It states that William Reynolds according to the Office of the Judge Advocate General was awarded the King’s Medal for Courage in the Cause of Freedom, however i thought this was not the case as he had died ?? His Wife was awarded the sum of 88k Belgian Francs by the British Government. The file was from 1947, i am wondering if they heard he was up for the medal and just presumed he was awarded it? As this makes my Regiments case null and void I would say for a posthumous award. Wondering if his wife was given the Tedder award for herself if he did get the medal?

    I also found that someone stood by his body when it was guillotined and collected the initial gush of blood about 2 litres, to use to give to wounded Germans !!!
     
  8. Simon165

    Simon165 Member

    Found he was awarded the Kings Commendation Medal, it was awarded in 1946.
     
    SteveDee and timuk like this.
  9. horsapassenger

    horsapassenger Senior Member

    He was posthumously awarded the King’s Commendation for Brave Conduct which was gazetted on 17th December 1946. This was presented to his widow on 1st April 1948 by George Rendell, the British Ambassador.
     

    Attached Files:

  10. Simon165

    Simon165 Member

    Many thanks for your help.
     
  11. treynolds

    treynolds Junior Member

    Hi -
    I'm a descendant of William Reynolds: his twin brother Charles was my paternal grandfather.
    I'm aware of his history in general, but Simon165's comment that someone collected his blood (presumably for transfusions) is new to me. Simon - can you tell me your source for this?
    Many thanks.
     
  12. Simon165

    Simon165 Member

    Sent you a message.
     
  13. treynolds

    treynolds Junior Member

    I've just ordered a copy of the National Archives report on William Reynolds - 209 pages. I'm on hold until I receive and analyse these.
    Simon - can you send me your email?
    Many thanks, Tony
     
  14. Simon165

    Simon165 Member

    Sent message.
     
  15. Doublef

    Doublef New Member

    Frank 16
     

Share This Page