A collection of badges, insignia and personal items belonging to William Timothy Reid. Reid was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Loyal Regiment in 1962. He was promoted Lieutenant the following year and then to Captain in 1967. Around this time he underwent and passed SAS selection, joining 22 Special Air Service Regiment. As a member of 22 SAS he deployed to Dhofar, Sultinate of Oman, circa 1971. During his service in Radfan he commanded an SAS troop responsible for the training of Dhofari irregulars. For his distinguished service in Radfan, he was recommended for a Queen's Commendation, which was ultimately approved as a Mention in Despatches by the Ministry of Defence. His citation reads:
"Since May 1971 Captain REID has commanded an SAS troop which has been responsible for training a group of DHOFARI irregulars. This particular group, known as a FIRQAT, comprised forty three DHOFARIS all of whom had previously fought for the rebels and had surrendered to the government forces in February 1971. In return for their "loyalty" after one successful raid, they made contiuous excessive demands for food, water, vehicles, tents, arms and ammunition, etc., for themselves and their families.
The camp base at BARBEZUM was a waterless airstrip on the Southern edge of the EMPTY QUARTER, where daily shade temperatures exceeded 120 F. Resupply was difficult and erratic, and water often polluted, resulting in a high sickness rate among the FIRQAT and Training Team alike.
Despite these adverse conditions, and personal and political harassment Capt REID persevered with these arrogant and self-centred men, and succeeded in the space of three months in building them into a formidable fighting force of over seventy strong.
In July 1971, concerned for the safety of the FIRQAT FAMILIES AND LIVESTOCK Capt REID organised and accompanied their move to a protecdted settlement some fifty miles away. With the FIRQAT encouraged and motivated the base camp was moved forward nearer the Jebel, and active operations begain.
He organised and led them as reconaissance and fighting patrols on to the enemy held Jebel, and in the first contact lasting nearly twenty four hours the enemy were driven back into the Jebel carrying four dead. The FIRQAT suffered only one slightly wounded. Subsequently he led a reconnaissance patrol which successfully obtained vital information for post monsoon operations, and returned safely to base despite a heavily armed band of sixty rebels who tried to intercept and engage the patrol.
There is no doubt that the successful outcome of these successful operations was largely due to Captain REID's sustained personal leadership, determination and tenacity despite every imaginable difficulty and hardship. The existence and location of this fighting force will play a major part in operations planned for the future, and for this reason it is recommended that Capt REID be awarded a Queens Commendation."
Reid continued to serve, being promoted to Major in 1974 at Lieutenant Colonel in 1983. Following his service in the Regular Army, he served as a Cadet Officer - resigning his rank to serve as a Lieutenant. Multiple London Gazette entries can be provided to the buyer - and much more research is certainly possible.
The collection comprises:
His three named Identification Discs, a coin from the US Special Forces engraved with his initials, his SAS officers' cap badge and shoulder titles, SAS parachute wings, numerous other officer cap and collar badges, shoulder titles, his medal ribbons for the General Service Medal (1962) and Oman General Service Medal. A "Dhofar" bar for a miniature medal and numerous other items of cloth rank insignia, buttons, spanning his entire career from junior officer up to Colonel.
A scarce collection to a decorated SAS officer - would make an impressive display. Additional photos available upon request.
Ā
