2/2159 Gunner Oswald Bertram Reynolds, (21/3/1892-9/1916). "thy will be done"

 GUNNER REYNOLDS.

Gunner Oswald B. Reynolds, reported wounded, is the second son of Mrs Alfred Reynolds, of St. Kilda. and a Southland High School old boy. On leaving school he joined the railway service as a mechanical engineering cadet, and after having served a year in the head office draughting-room was transferred to the Hillside Workshops. Subsequently he joined the staff of the Waipori Falls power station, and at the time of his enlistment was one of the electrical engineers stationed there. Gunner Reynolds left New Zealand in the 8th Reinforcements.  -Evening Star, 26/6/1916.

Oswald Reynolds was wounded on June 16, 1916, shortly after his artillery unit had arrived in France after the Gallipoli evacuation. The wound was a slight one and he remained with his battery. It was a time of adjustment to the conditions in France before being fully committed to the "Big Push" - the Battle of the Somme.

The New Zealand artillery were busy in the days leading up to the Somme battle, which had been raging for six week before they arrived. Heavy rain had delayed operations but in late September the New Zealand guns were brought up to support an imminent attack.  Wire cutting to clear the way for infantry was an important task, and the German artillery knew it, too.

The enemy made strenuous efforts to lessen the weight of this bombardment by heavily shelling battery areas, especially on the morning of the 25th, when he opened a searching fire with guns of all calibres on the 3rd and 4th Brigade positions in Devil's Gully. His fire was accurate and destructive, and a great number of casualties were caused.  -"New Zealand Artillery in the Field, 1914-1918."

DEATHS

FOR KING AND COUNTRY.

REYNOLDS. — On September 25th, killed in action in France, Oswald Bertram, beloved second son of Margaret Rachel and the late Alfred Reynolds; aged 24 years.  -Evening Star, 13/10/1916.

IN MEMORIAM

REYNOLDS. — On September 25, killed while in action at the Battle of the Somme, Oswald Bertram Reynolds; aged 24 years. 

Thy will be done.   -Otago Witness, 26/9/1917.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.