Hamilton Reed


Hamilton Lyster Reed,, was an Irish British Army officer, and recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Early life

Born in Dublin, he was a grandson of Hamilton Lyster, and a son of Sir Andrew Reed, a distinguished police official. He was educated at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, and was gazetted into the Royal Field Artillery as a second lieutenant on 17 February 1888.

Military career

Reed was promoted to lieutenant on 17 February 1891, and to captain on 14 September 1898. Following the outbreak of the Second Boer War in late 1899, he went to South Africa for active service. He took part in the Ladysmith Relief Force, including the Battle of Colenso on 15 December 1899, where he was wounded.

Details on Victoria Cross

He was 30 years old, and a captain in 7th Battery, Royal Field Artillery during the battle of Colenso on 15 December 1899. The detachments serving the guns of the 14th and 66th Batteries, Royal Field Artillery, had all been either killed, wounded, or driven from their guns by Infantry fire at close range, and the guns were deserted. His citation mentions the following deed, for which he was awarded the VC:

Second Boer War

After the end of regular warfare, the war turned into a guerrilla war in late 1900. During the later part of the war, he served as a Staff Officer, in the position of Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General from 12 June 1901.
The War ended in June 1902, with the Treaty of Vereeniging. Reed left Cape Town in the SS Dilwara in late July, and arrived in Southampton the following month.

Further military service

Reed was seconded to the Turkish Army during the Balkan Wars served with the British Army throughout the First World War. He then served as General Officer Commanding, 52nd Infantry Division from June 1923 until he retired in June 1927.
He died in London on 7 March 1931.

Family

His son Andrew was killed in the Battle of France whilst serving with the RAF.

The Medal

His Medal is part of the Lord Ashcroft collection.