Location
Situated in Gauteng Province of South Africa
Braamfontein Cemetery, Johannesburg
In Johannesburg exit the M1 at the Smit Street off ramp. Turn right at the robot where the off ramps meet Smit Street. Continue under the M1. Do not turn right at the on ramp, but turn right Into Graf Street (road after the on ramp).
The entrance to the cemetery is in Graf Street on the left.
The grave is in the EC Section grave 22932.
The EC section is the area against the fence and the grave is towards the Southern part of that section. It is reasonably high and easily spotted. The graves do not follow logical numbering and most are not numbered.
There is public access
GPS 26 deg 11 min 44.6 sec S, 28 deg 1 min 39.9 secE
Significance
Captain Oswald Austin Reid, VC (2 November 1893 - 27 October 1920) was born in Johannesburg. He initially served during WW1 as 2nd Lieutenant in the 4th Battalion King's Regiment (Liverpool).
He was twice wounded in France and took part in operations at Kut-el-Amara, Baghdad, and Samarrah campaigns.
For his actions on 8-10 March 1917 at Diyala River, Mesopotamia, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
He passed away from the effects of his military service on 27 October 1920.
The Citation for the award of the Victoria Cross reads
"Captain Oswald Austin Reid, The King's Regiment (Liverpool), attached Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. For most conspicuous bravery in the face of desperate circumstances. By his dauntless courage and gallant leadership, he was able to consolidate a small post with the advanced troops, on the opposite side of a river to the main body, after his line of communications had been cut by the sinking of the pontoons. He maintained this position for thirty hours against constant attacks by bombs, machine gun and shellfire, with the full knowledge that repeated attempts at relief had failed and that his ammunition was all but exhausted. It was greatly due to his tenacity that the passage of the river was effected on the following night. During the operations he was wounded"
He was also awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal 1914-20, Victory Medal 1914-19, Medaglia Al Valore Militaire and was Mentioned in Despatches.
His medals are held by the National Museum of Military History, Johannesburg, South Africa.
In loving memory of Capt Oswald Austin Reid VC The King's Liverpool Regt Born 2nd Nov 1899 Died 27th Oct 1920 NOBLY DONE DEAR SON