Son of George Alexander and Catherine Reid, of 86 Forbury Crescent, Dunedin.
Gained Second Lieutenant's commission on 1 February 1916 (Studholme 1928).
Promoted to Captain on 28 November 1917 (Studholme 1928).
"Came here as a master in 1915. He was a good athlete, and had won distinction in many branches of sport, particularly in football and throwing the hammer. He held the position of Tutor in Hadfield House, and during the winter term coached the School XV. At the end of the year he enlisted and went away with the 19th Reinforcements. From the first he showed qualities of leadership, and when at length he fell to a German sniper, he was Captain of his company, Mr Armstrong [Purvis Ford Armstrong (18581), who was also a master at Wanganui Collegiate] being at the time one of his subalterns. In the short time he was at the School Mr Reid won the respect and friendship of both masters and boys, and although his appointment was a temporary one only, many were looking forward to his return after the war, and hoping that he would become a permanent member of the staff. This has been denied him, and we can but add his name to that honoured list of those whose patriotism will be a constant inspiration to the school, even though their presence and personality are lost to us." (In Memoriam, 1914-1918 [Wanganui Collegiate School])
Embarked Wellington, 5 February 1916; disembarked Suez, 13 March 1916.
Embarked Alexandria for France, 7 April 1916.
Detached to School of Instruction (grenade instruction), 21 May 1916; rejoined Bn, in the field,28 May 1916.
Wounded in action, 16 September 1916 (gun shot wound, right arm and side); admitted to No 1 NZ Red Cross Hospital, Le Touquet, 24 September 1916; transferred to England, 25 September 1916, and admitted to [?] Free Hospital; transferred to NZ General Hospital, Brighton, 21 November 1916; to NZ Convalescent Hospital, Hornchurch, 3 January 1917; discharged on leave, 22 February 1917, to report to Reserve Bn, Sling Camp, 13 March 1917.
Promted Lieutenant, 15 March 1917.
Taken on strength, 3rd Bn, Otago Infantry Regiment, Codford, 11 April 1917, and posted to 4th Company, with temporary rank of Captain.
Proceeded overseas to France, 28 May 1917.
Detached to School of Instruction, 21 June 1917; rejoined Bn, in the field, 27 July 1917.
On leave to Paris, 29 September 1917; rejoined Bn from leave, 6 October 1917.
Killed in action, 29 November 1917.
Parents: George Alexander and Catherine Reid, 86 Forbury Crescent, Dunedin AWMM