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Image Gallery: September 2009

11 September 2009
World War Two sailor receives medal on 87th birthday

Former Royal Australian Navy Sub Lieutenant Donald Reed receives a medal on his 87th birthday.

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 liaison officer, as the small vessel escorted shipping across waters patrolled by enemy submarines in the Indian Ocean. 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 his case.

Today is Don’s 87th Birthday.

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Hans Nieuwland Consul for the Kingdom of the Nertherlands presented the medal to Donald Reed.

(Date taken: 10 September 2009)
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Commanding Officer HMAS CERBERUS and Senior Naval Officer Southern Region Captain Sheldon Williams stands by Donald Reed.

(Date taken: 10 September 2009)
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From the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Nertherlands Assistant Defence Attache Warrant Officer Class 1 Berry Bodelier reads delivers a speach for the medal presntation.

(Date taken: 10 September 2009)
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Former Royal Australian Navy Sub Lieutenant Donald Reed receives a medal on his 87th birthday.

(Date taken: 10 September 2009)
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