Constable Robert Reid served in the Royal Ulster Constabulary during World War Two. He was the son of William John Reid and the late Maggie Reid of 32 Springwell Street, Ballymena, Co. Antrim.
Robert joined the Royal Ulster Constabulary in August 1939, before the outbreak of World War Two. Before joining the police, he worked at Wilson’s Nurseries and Braidwater Mill. He was the leader of Ballymena Accordion Band and a member of the local Apprentice Boys of Derry. Robert had 3 sisters and 5 brothers including Gunner William John Reid and Lance Corporal James Reid.
British Newspaper Archive Photo: The funeral of Royal Ulster Constabulary Constable Robert Reid in Ballymena, Co. Antrim on Wednesday 14th May 1941. Copyright Ballymena Weekly Telegraph - Saturday 17th May 1941.
He died on 5th May 1941 aged 22 years old during The Fire Raid of the Belfast Blitz. Glenravel Street RUC Station took a direct hit during the Luftwaffe attack.
Remembering the Glenravel Street Constables
| Last Name | First Name(s) | Rank | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armstrong | Martin Robert | Constable | Killed aged 24 years old. |
| Campbell | Hugh | Constable | Killed aged 22 years old. |
| Lemon | William John | Constable | Killed aged 19 years old. |
| McKenna | James | Constable | Killed aged 22 years old. |
| Reid | Robert | Constable | Killed aged 22 years old. |
Robert Reid’s grave is in Ballymena New Cemetery, Ballymena, Co. Antrim. His funeral took place on Wednesday 14th May 1941.