Herbert Reed (GC)

Bombardier Henry Herbert Reed GC, known as Herbert Reed, of No.2 Battalion, 1 Maritime Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery (1911 – 20 June 1940) was posthumously awarded the George Cross for the "gallant and utterly selfless action" he showed after the merchant ship, SS Cormount, was attacked by German E-boats and planes on 20 June 1940.

20 June 1940
The ship was raked by machine gun fire from the attacking planes, and Reed, who had volunteered to man anti aircraft guns on merchant shipping, had suffered a mortal stomach wound. Despite his injuries he rescued the injured Chief Officer from the badly damaged bridge and carried him down two sets of ladders to safety. He also managed to move an injured steward to cover before dying, minutes later, of his wounds. The ship survived the attack, despite being struck by an air-launched torpedo.

He was also posthumously awarded the Lloyd's War Medal for Bravery at Sea.

George Cross citation
Reeds' George Cross citation appeared in the London Gazette on 23 September 1941:

Gunner Reed's George Cross is currently held by the National Army Museum in Chelsea, London.