Howard Walter Reichert

Military Medal, 1939 – 1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) with Clasp and Dieppe Bar, 1939 – 1945 War Medal

Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada

WW II

Howard Walter Reichert was born 13 February 1921 to William and Therese (Riehl) Reichert at the Freemasons Hospital in Morden, Manitoba. His parents had immigrated to Manitoba from Austria, William in 1891 and Theresa in 1903. They married and began farming in the 2-6 district and had 3 daughters and 9 sons. Howard went to Elam School, grades 1 – 8. For many years he walked to school early enough to light the stove to warm the school house. He completed his education grades 9 – 11, at the Thornhill School. He had, until his enlistment, spent most of his life on the farm at Thornhill with his parents and 11 siblings. His brothers George, William, John, Edward and Clifford served in the R.C.A.F. Clifford was the pilot of a Halifax bomber that was shot down, 22 June 1943. He did not survive. Brother Cecil, was also a member of the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada. There were two other brothers Russel and Robert. Robert died in 1924. Howard had three sisters, Lily Irene (Unger), Edna May (Unger) and Elsie Francis.

While employed at the Gretna Butcher Shop WW II broke out and the concern about the war and the dreams of adventure in faraway places, led Howard to enlist in the army on 28 March 1940 with the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada. He trained in Shilo and Quebec City before being shipped to Scotland on the Louis Pasteur at Christmas in 1940.

The Cameron’s were well trained and for this reason were selected for “Operation Jubilee”. On the night of 18-19 August 1942, “Operation Jubilee”, also known as the Dieppe Raid, was implemented. The objective, to test the German defences. A quick in and out was planned but the surprise element was lost in the early part of the raid and severe losses were suffered by the British, Americans and in particular the Canadians, who made up the majority of the invasion force.

Of the 4,963 Canadians involved in the raid, only 2,210 Canadians were withdrawn. The invasion force was involved in a short brutal battle, which lasted approximately 10 hours, and suffered heavy losses. There were 3,367 casualties, 916 killed and 2,753 prisoners of war. The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders landed at Pourville and managed to penetrate 3 kilometers inland before being ordered to withdraw. The Camerons fought their way back the beach and Sergeant Reichert and Captain Don McNaughton kept firing at the enemy until they were forced to drop their weapons because of the deep water and began swimming out to the rescue boats. They were the last two Camerons of the 2,210 Canadians who were evacuated.

A local newspaper article headline “Sgt. H. W. Reichert Wins Military Medal” contained the citation which read in part, “On 14 August 1944, the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada attacked Hussy with “C” Company and a section of anti-tank guns in support under the command of Sergeant Reichert. The leading position came under direct fire from a well concealed Tiger tank and was forced to take cover. Sgt Reichert moved his section forward, where he could see the tank moving away. He immediately put both guns into action scoring a hit on the turret and forcing the gun off the road and out of sight behind some buildings. Leaving one gun to cover his flank, this NCO moved his other gun up the road, and manhandled it into an orchard from where he could see the tank. His crew came under machine gun fire from and enemy infantry position. Undaunted, the crew, encouraged by Sgt Reichert, went into action and hit the tank causing it to burst into flames. The tank crew abandoned their tank and the enemy infantry attacked. In the ensuing battle, the gun crew under the command of Sgt Reichert, 25 enemy were killed or wounded and 11 taken prisoner. The gallant action and initiative of this NCO removed a most serious threat to the advance and was, in no small part, responsible for ultimate capture of the battalion objective.

On Monday, 10 September 1944, during Operation Bray-Dunes, Sgt Reichert’s anti-tank section was again in support “C” Company. His guns were soon destroyed and Sgt Reichert saw an abandoned 75 MM and ammunition forward of his own position. Taking two men, he led them forward under heavy machine gun fire, turned the gun around and opened fire on the enemy posts and put them out of action. He then engaged a possible forming-up position and scattered the enemy who were preparing to attack. Sgt Reichert was greatly responsible for staving off a very serious threat to the battalion’s flank, and allowing it to successfully consolidate and form a firm base for the ensuing brigade attack.

Sgt Reichert has always displayed the qualities of initiative, courage, leadership, and devotion to duty, so necessary for the inspiration of the soldiers under his command and, by his actions and valour, has been looked upon with the highest esteem by all who have fought with him”.

Sergeant Reichert’s overseas service was terminated 08 September 1945 and he was discharged 07 November 1945.

Isabel Rosen returned to Morden in January 1947, after she had received her LPN Nurses Certificate. She and Howard began dating shortly thereafter and were married 01 October 1949. They led a farming life and had two daughters, Connie and Janice. Howard was generous to family, friends and neighbours, blowing out many lanes after snow storms. He was involved in the community, serving on the Board of Elam School, the Thornhill Elevator Board and as President of the Thornhill Curling Club. He served the Royal Canadian Legion, Morden Branch 11 as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee for 25 years and as President in 1958.

In 1992 Howard met his daughter Maggie Obee from Kent, England for the first time. From then on there were many enjoyable visits back and forth with Maggie and her husband Colin Obee.

Turning a phrase and wit were Howard’s well-known calling cards. Some describe him as full of energy and afraid of nothing. It could be said that he had a trying illness, but he didn’t really turn down until his last 6 months. He displayed a lot of bravery with his illness. Howard lived 90 years and will be remembered as someone who made his mark on the community, for which the family is grateful.

Sergeant Howard Walter Reichert passed away 05 May 2011 at the Boundary Trails Health Centre. He was predeceased by his 3 sisters and all of his brothers except Russel. After a memorial service, 13 May 2011, Howard was laid to rest at the Wiebe Funeral Chapel Cemetery Columbarium.

Information from family, newspaper article, paper name and date unknown and Howard’s Military Record.