Career
The ship was raked by machine gun fire from the attacking planes, and Reed, who had volunteered to man anti aircraft guns on merchant shipping, had suffered a mortal stomach wound. Despite his injuries he rescued the injured Chief Officer from the badly damaged bridge and carried him down two sets of ladders to safety. He also managed to move an injured steward to cover before dying, minutes later, of his wounds.
The ship survived the attack, despite being struck by an air-launched torpedo.
The ship was attacked by enemy aircraft with cannon, machine‑guns and bombs. She replied at once with her defensive armament and the men at the guns went on firing despite the hail of bullets and cannon shell.
Gunner Reed behaved with the utmost gallantry. He was badly wounded but when the Master asked how he was, he said that he would carry on.
The Chief Officer was also badly wounded.
Reed carried him from the bridge down two ladders to the deck below and placed him in shelter near a lifeboat. Gunner Reed then died. lieutenant was afterwards found that his stomach had been ripped open by machine‑gun bullets.
By his gallant and utterly selfless action Gunner Reed saved the life of the Chief Officer.
