The name of Herbert Reid was a household word throughout the B.B. many years ago. The news of his death at the age of 81 at Gourock will recall to senior Officers and Old Boys the delight with which they first made the acquaintance of this famous B.B. author through “Private James Fyffe”, “The Luck of the Stedfast ” and his other popular stories. He was a contributor to the Gazette and for several years he edited ” The Brigadier,” a paper for B.B. Boys. Among the present B.B. generation the excellent talks to Boys contained in ” Run to Win and ” From the Shoulder ” continue to win for him an increasing circle of grateful readers.

Entering the ministry from Glasgow University, Mr. Reid was inducted in 1895 to the West Free Church at Thurso, where there grew up a friendship with Sir William Smith, who used to visit his home town on holiday. Eight years later Reid became Minister of Hamilton Church, Port Glasgow, and being nearer the centre of things he became a very popular figure in B.B. circles.

He won the M.C. as a padre with the Highland Division in the first world war. On his return he founded the Old Boys’ Union and his interest in his own 1st Port Glasgow Company thus extended to its old members.

He was a prolific writer of verse, much of it in ” braid Scots,” and although he retired from the ministry over twenty years ago his services as a preacher were in demand all over Scotland, especially for young peoples’ services.

The Boys’ Brigade owes much to Herbert Reid. A gifted writer, a faithful pastor, a friend to all in need and a great lover of Boys, he will be remembered with affection by all who had the privilege of his friendship.

BB Gazette 58-4 April 1950