Saying it was a big surprise and the first award he has ever received, Reg, 98, said he was happy to accept the award on behalf of the other 21 members of his unit being the last one left.
The volunteer tour guide at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway since 2000, Reg was a member of the 55/53 Battalion before suffering from scrub typhus and being discharged from the army in 1945 just before the war ended.
“Apart from typhus, I had malaria 36 times as well as tropical dermatitis for years after which prevented me from returning to my pre-army career as a baker and pastry chef since it was so unsightly.”
Reg, however, enjoyed a long career working the blast furnace in an iron foundry and driving trucks at night but his passion for helping veterans and sharing his story with younger generations never wavered.
“There were three of us left – Roy, Ray and Reg – they called us the ‘three stooges’ and we used to visit schools and talk about serving on the frontline which was not a soft job,” the Bass Hill RSL sub-branch member said.
“I am very thrilled with making it on the Honours List but I really just like to be in the background.
“I’ve always had a good memory and that’s what makes me ideal as a spokesperson on the past and for all of our fallen heroes. As veterans, our priority is to look after each other.
“I’d never dreamt about being able to add ‘OAM’ to my name but then I never thought I’d reach 98 either.
“I’ve been very lucky.”
Federal MP for Blaxland Jason Clare said: “Reg is a part of the greatest generation, and I’m honoured to call him a mate.”
“He has never forgotten his mates he lost in the war. That’s why over the last decade he has shared his experiences in New Guinea and Bougainville with visitors, including thousands of students, to the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway in Concord.”
