Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Reynold, born in Port Pirie on the 15th February 1918, was the elder son of Thomas Augustus Keats. Known as ‘Reyn’ he was a talented young tennis player and frequently called on to recite or play music at functions. His academic talents were also advanced, as at the conclusion of the ’33 school year, 15-year-old Reyn, was announced as the Dux of Pirie High School.
He became a Bank Clerk, returning to Pirie to work until, aged 22 he enlisted to serve in WWII on the 14th June ’40 as SX8079 serving in the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. He was fortunate to survive the war, serving as a Rat of Tobruk in one of the most highly decorated and decimated battalions. He was part of a reconnaissance patrol on the slopes of Point 26 in July ’42, gaining precious information about the enemy (and their lack of surveillance). His study with the Officer Cadet Training Unit was not completed following the return of the 2/48th Battalions from El Alamein and Palestine after spending three Christmases overseas. On his return he became engaged to Joy Brealy (VAD) in September ’43.
Service in New Guinea followed until the closing days of the war. Reyn was then able to fulfill his potential, studying a Bachelor of Science at Adelaide University. This was the accelerant for an exceptional career where he became known as the ‘Founding Father of Mathematics’.
96-year-old Reyn died in Canberra on the 1st April 2014. The linked document, given as his eulogy, traces the remarkable life of this remarkably gifted man.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.