DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 297/09
Thursday, 10 September 2009
WORLD WAR TWO SAILOR
RECEIVES MEDAL ON 87th BIRTHDAY
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.
Media Note:
Mr Reed will be presented the Netherlands War Cross by the Consul-General for the
Kingdom of the Netherlands Hans Nievwland.
Time: 3:00pm
Place: Caulfield RSL, 4 St Georges Rd Elsternwick
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
