Ross F. Reid

Many thanks to Shannyn at the Canadian War Museum for allowing the Pearl Family and the Uxbridge Honour our Veterans Banner Program the use of the Ross F. Reid portrait. CWM 19712061-3783, Canadian War Museum.
This beautiful portrait belongs to the Beaverbrook Collection of War Art, named after Canadian-born Lord Beaverbrook. Beaverbrook founded the Canadian War Memorials Fund in November 1916, eventually hiring 116 artists to paint some 900 scenes of Canada at war. Over time, this collection was supplemented with war art from the Second World War and the post-war period, right up to Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan. The Canadian War Museum acts as stewards of this extraordinary war art collection.

REID, S/L Ross Frederick (J9936) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.438 Squadron - Award effective 19 February 1945 as per London Gazette dated 27 February 1945 and AFRO 625/45 dated 13 April 1945. Born 5 October 1922 in Montreal; home in Toronto; enlisted there 1 May 1941. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 30 August 1941), No.10 EFTS (graduated 7 October 1941) and No.1 SFTS (graduated 22 January 1942); commissioned 1942. Award presented 27 January 1946. Postwar RCAF Auxiliary (No.400 Squadron). Throughout a prolonged tour of duty this officer has consistently shown exceptional courage, skill and determination. He has led his squadron on many sorties against heavily defended bridges, ammunition dumps and a wide variety of other targets, invariably achieving outstanding success. On a recent occasion Squadron Leader Reid led an attack on an important bridge at Meijel in Holland. Despite heavy defence the target was destroyed. Again in November 1944, he delivered a telling attack on canal locks at Sneek and Gaarkuiken which were severely damaged. He has always completed his duties with outstanding initiative and courage.

We Will Remember Them