Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Mervyn Cyril Reichstein was born at Booleroo Centre 11 April 1923, son of Friederich Hermann and Ruby Gladys (nee Pitchers) Reichstein. Frederick and Ruby farmed Section 5, Hundred of Willowie.

Mervyn enlisted 29 May 1941 at Booleroo Centre with the Militia, listing his occupation as a Farm Labourer. He was aged 18 years.

On enlistment he joined the 9/23 Light Horse Regiment at Clare, part of the 6th Cavalry Brigade, and was allocated SN S7823. From 22 July he attended Camp No. 3 at Gawler until October. As part of the wider mechanisation of the Australian Light Horse, the unit was converted to a motorised reconnaissance role and was retitled the 23rd Reconnaissance Company (Barossa Light Horse) in December of 1941. Mervyn commenced full time duty with the company 13 January 1942 but claimed exemption on the basis that his was an exempt occupation. He was given leave without pay from 20 January and was discharged on 13 February. 23rd Recce Coy did not see any active service, it disbanded in May of 1942.

In January of 1942 Mervyn had applied for enlistment in the RAAF listing his reason for joining as ‘I feel it my duty’. On 11 April he was interviewed for enrolment in the RAAF reserve. His interviewer described him as ’average build – country lad – alert and respectful manner – belies first impression – no apparent faults – suitable type’.

On 19 May 1942 Mervyn was asked to present himself at No. 1 Recruitment Depot – Shepparton, having been successful in his application. He was despatched to Melbourne on 5 August to attend 1 Service Training School as part of Training Group V, and then went on to 1 Engineering School at Ascot Vale on the 30 August that year for further instruction courses, qualifying as Flight Mechanic on 20 February 1943.

Transferred back to South Australia 3 March 1943, he was posted to the 2 Bombing and Gunnery School at Port Pirie, qualifying as a Leading Aircraftman on the 31st of May. He was then assigned to the newly formed 82 Squadron at Bankstown, New South Wales in September of that year. This squadron was equipped with P40M Kittyhawks and P39D Airacobras.

Mervyn was discharged from the RAAF, returning to South Australia on 11 March 1944 at Springbank, one month prior to the 82 Squadron being deployed to Townsville, en route to Port Moresby. Application had been made by his father Frederick for Mervyn to return home to the farm. The reason for release documented that ‘ Assistance needed to maintain production’.  Men in the services would be released only in cases where no other help could be obtained.

On the 11 July 1945 Mervyn became engaged to Beth, daughter of Raymond and Melinda Avery of Morchard. They married 26 June 1946. They had three daughters and two sons.

Mervyn and Beth eventually purchased some land at Pekina which they farmed until Mervyn retired in the mid 1980’s, after which they moved to Victor Harbor.

Mervyn died 9 May 2002 at South Coast District Hospital and is buried at Victor Harbour General Cemetery.

Excerpt taken from "Diggers From the Dust" (2018) Di Barrie & Andreew Barrie.