We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Reginald Arthur Wild, MC, CD (Ret’d), a resident of the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre in Ottawa on 2 April 2022 at the age of 102 years. Reginald was a Second World War veteran who was awarded the Military Cross for his actions during the Italian Campaign.
Reginald was born in Hantsport NS, to parents who had immigrated from Britain and were dairy farmers. One of nine children, he came of age during the Depression. He attended schools in Hantsport and Halifax County and finished high school. He joined the Canadian Army Militia at the age of fifteen as a Boy Bandsman. When the Second World War broke out, Reginald enlisted with the 1st Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers in Halifax.
Less than four months later, Reginald sailed for England with the draft that completed the 1st Canadian Divisional Engineers overseas. A Corporal at his time, he was part of the British Expeditionary Force to France in June 1940 that was soon evacuated from France. Back in England, Reginald was promoted to Sergeant in 1942 and was selected for Officer Training late that year. Commissioned as a Lieutenant early in 1943, he proceeded to North Africa in June and landed in Sicily in July as part of Operation HUSKY, the Italian Campaign.
Reginald joined the 4th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers in December 1943 and took command of 1 Platoon in May 1944, leading them through the Hitler Line during the Liri Valley campaign. On 24 August 1944, as the 1st Canadian Corps pushed towards the Metauro River in the Gothic Line campaign, his platoon was assigned to build a bridge over the Metauro River in advance of an attack. The site was under continuous enemy fire, but Reginald managed to make a detailed reconnaissance of the crossing point, notwithstanding that he was captured for a short period during this activity. He then directed the night-time bridge build despite the shelling. Canadian troops made a successful crossing the next day, as planned. Reginald was awarded a Military Cross for his gallantry for this action.
In October, Reginald was transferred to the 12th Field Company and after the conclusion of the Italian Campaign, he went on to fight in the Northwest Europe campaign. At the end of the war, he returned to England for repatriation and arrived back in Canada in June 1945. After demobilization, Reginald accepted a Commission with the Regular Force.
Reginald then served in Halifax from 1945 to 1949. On promotion to Captain in 1949, he was posted to Army Headquarters in Ottawa. Subsequently, he served with Headquarters New Brunswick Area in Fredericton where he was the Deputy Assistant Quarter Master General.
Reginald attended the Nuclear Staff School in 1960 and was then posted to Ottawa as a Nuclear Staff Officer occupied with planning the defence of Canada. He attended the U.S. Armed Forces Staff College in 1963 and was then assigned to the Canadian Military Attache staff in Washington. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1965, he was appointed Chief Administrative Officer of the Canadian Liaison Staff in Washington.
Returning to Canada in 1966, Reginald served for a short period as the Canadian Forces Fire Marshal before becoming the Director of Property in 1967. In 1969, he was seconded to the Office of the Deputy Minister of National Defence as the Director of Property and Utilities. Reginald retired from the Canadian Forces in 1970 and became the Director as a civilian. He then served as the Director of Properties for ten years before retiring. Reginald retired in 1980 after serving Canada as a soldier and a public servant for a total of 43 years.
Funeral arrangements are private. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
Note: The Citation for Lt Wild’s Military Cross can be found HERE.
