Personal information

Husband of Phyllis Irene Reed. Henry Lewis Reed had worked as Accounts Assistant with Bristol Aeroplane Co Ltd, Filton from 1931 to 1939, but then worked as Purser for British India Steam Navigation Co Ltd during the Second World War. According to his family it affected him for life as he survived the sinking of Waroonga and tried to save others. He had served aboard this ship since 12 March 1940.

Directly after the war he worked for B.O.A.C. and eventually started numerous own businesses including one as property developer that was very successful in the housing boom of the 1960s. He was still running two businesses when he suddenly died at the age of 80.

All photos courtesy of Veritee Reed, daughter of Henry Lee Reed

Henry shortly after joining the Merchant Navy

Henry standing beneath the stern gun aboard Mulbera in 1939

Relaxing on deck with a friend

Cadets cleaning the deck

Cadets carrying out a lifeboat drill

Waroonga at anchor in New Zealand in 1940

Waroonga at anchor

Crew members relaxing aboard Waroonga in December 1941

Henry standing beneath the stern gun aboard Waroonga

Gun practice aboard Waroonga in 1942

Convoy passing through ice

Waroonga at sea

Henry relaxing on ship