Royal Army Medical Corps Association

Honours & Awards

 

Afghanistan 

In Arduis Fidelis

                                                                            Major Douglas Fraser Reid

                                                Royal Army Medical Corps

                                                             Military Cross

 

Major Douglas Fraser Reid was the 1st Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battle (1RGR) Group Regimental Medical Officer during Op Herrick 7. 1RGR was committed to the role of Regional Battlegroup (South) (RGB(S)), which required it to conduct operations throughout Southern Afghanistan. Reid consistently and repeatedly distinguished himself by his courage and leadership in the most dangerous of situations.

The battle group deployed first on Op Palk Wahel in the Upper Geresk Valley between 18 Sep 07 and 03 Oct 07. Following his own firm advice, Reid was assigned to which ever of the companies  it was assessed faced the highest risk of casualties. He infiltrated with C Company into enemy held territory  by foot under cover of darkness and was soon engaged with intense fire from a number of directions. The ensuing fire-fight endured for over an hour and two casualties were sustained. At considerable personal risk, Reid advanced under enemy fire, treated the casualties and organised their extraction. For the majority of those with Reid, this was their first experience of close combat. His bravery and personal example were an inspiration to all and he was undoubtedly a major contributing factor in the successful outcome of the battle.

Following the operation in Helmand, Reid accompanied the fire support group on a road move to Kandahar. Soon after first light on 4 Oct 07, the vehicle in which Reid was travelling was struck by an improvised explosive device. The gunner and driver were thrown out of the vehicle and the company commander was killed instantly. Despite the severe physical and mental shock, Reid forced his way  out of the destroyed vehicle and, in open ground and in full view of potential enemy firing points, treated the casualties. The enemy attempted a secondary attack during which Reid’s attention to the casualties was unstinting. Once again Reid’s actions had proved to  be decisive. Over an exacting period of 3 to 4 hours, he overcame the personal physical trauma to conduct his professional duty and establish control of a serious and dangerous situation following the loss of the company commander.

Between 20 Oct 07 and 15 Nov 07, Reid was on the ground again on Op Spin Ghar, the clearance of an enemy stronghold in the Baluchi Valley. Reid inserted by helicopter with the lead company right on the edge of the objective. Once engaged by the enemy, fighting was hard and close quarter. Both lead platoons and the Australian SAS came under simultaneous heavy contact from multiple firing points, resulting in two casualties. Reid stabilised the first, a C Company soldier, and without hesitation, dashed across open ground under withering fire to begin treatment of the mortally wounded Australian casualty. The situation was perilous with the Australian SAS running low on ammunition and the enemy pressing home an attack. Reid was forced to administer treatment in full view of this emboldened enemy. With almost no regard for his own safety, he frequently exposed himself to enemy fire in order to access medical equipment. As the intensity of the enemy attack increased, Reid continued to work on the casualty, assisting in physically pulling him back from enemy killing zones when necessary, despite great personal risk. The Australian SAS commander described Reid’s role as “the significant turning point in the battle”

Reid demonstrated exceptional qualities of courage, organisational powers and practical example in the face of hostile enemy action. During the tour, he saved the lives of many local Afghans, their security forces, Coalition and British troops. His gallantry was inspirational and contributed to the overall enduring fighting spirit of the battle group. This exemplary service, far beyond the call of duty, deserves the very highest official recognition.