Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Reginald Maxwell May, PA4326, Royal Australian Navy.

Reg joined the Navy in Aug 1943, at the age of 17. What I guess is remarkable about his story is the family’s devotion to duty and to do their bit for Australia, despite the extreme cost.

In August 1942, Reg lost his older brother, killed in Action at the battle for Mile Bay. At the time of his brother’s loss, Reg was working two jobs in Waikerie. His first job was a barber, and the second was in the Waikerie post office. In an unfortunate turn of events, as Reg was working in the post office, he was the one who received the telegram notification of his brother’s death, before the rest of his family which in turn burdened him with the job of informing his parents of their son’s death, Reg was only 16 years old at the time and this would have been a horrible burden to bear.

Only 3 months after his brothers’ death, his mother passed away suddenly. Reg always believed she could not cope with the loss of her oldest son.

Despite the tragic loss of two family members in such a short time frame, Reggie’s father was always supportive of his desire to his bit for Australia. His father went with him to his enlistment medical and despite having the fear of losing another son, supported him all the way.

After all his initial training, Reggie served on HMAS Kanimbla from 4th April 1944, until 3rd May 1946. 

During his time on Kanimbla Reg worked the deck as an Able Seaman, and in the landing craft during landing operations to clear the Japanese from the Pacific.

Reggie passed away in 2020 at the age of 94 and 9months.  

Frederick May, SX1111, is also on this site.

Information was obtained through conversation with Reg over the years.

Luke Scott - 2020