Former Royal Australian Navy Sub Lieutenant Donald Reed will become the reluctant centre of attention today when he is awarded a prestigious overseas service medal from World War II. As a young officer, Don Reed was assigned to the Netherlands minesweeper Abraham Crijnssen. His job was to act as Royal Navy liaison officer, as the small vessel escorted shipping across waters patrolled by German U-Boats.

Sub Lieutenant Reed spent 10 months on board, unable to actually speak the language of those around him. When his time on board was coming to an end, his commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander K.G. Tiel, RNN, recommended Don for a Netherlands War Cross with Bar. The award was never actually handed to Mr. Reed, who eventually settled back into civilian life after the war. 65 years later, Don’s case was brought to the attention of the Netherlands Government, which was quick to investigate.

Today is Don’s 87th Birthday.

Australia’s Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Crane AM, CSM, RAN, said Mr Reed is one of countless Australians who helped protect this country and her allies, and build on Australia’s strong naval heritage.

“I congratulate Mr. Reed on this public recognition of his service,” Vice Admiral Crane said.