It has since been possible (from more Who’s who on the net) to identify that Reid served during the First World War and rose to rank of Major. He then came to Madras and worked for Beardsell. He was member of the Madras Legislative Council from 1933 to 1936. He must not have seen active service during WWII for his rank of colonel was honorary. From his wife’s name it is probable that she was the daughter of Sir Alfred Ashley Biggs, the powerful agent of the M&SM railway in the 1910s and 1920s. The Ashley Biggs Institute still survives and promotes sport among railway employees.
November 12, 2011 at 5:51 pm |
Douglas Reid’s wife was Olive, she was the twin sister of my maternal grandmother, Phyllis Ashley Biggs- their father was George who was a brother of Sir Alfred. I was interested to read about the Ashley Biggs Institute, also to learn that it is still in existence. Many thanks, Charles Craske