Gunner Raymond 'Ray' Reynolds was a member of 33rd Para Field Regiment RA. He successfully passed P Coy with Pln 415 in February 1956. Ray saw operational service in Cyprus in the EOKA campaign and then in Suez during Op. Musketeer. 

Ray often recalled stories about his service. He had many narrow escapes. Such as the time a live grenade was bouncing around in the back of his truck in Cyprus. Or how he saved a small dog from starvation in Suez. During this operation he also very bravely recused 4 French Paras who had been trapped by rioters on a rooftop. He drove his lorry into the melee so the French could jump down onto the lorry. On one occasion whilst he was on 'stag' guarding the base with his No.4 rifle, he was told to shoot at any vehicle approaching him after nightfall. Later a lorry approached, so he followed orders and fired 2 rounds through the vehicle windscreen. Much to his horror, he soon found out it was his mate driving. He had been delayed returning to their base. Ray was summoned to the officer in charge immediately. Worried that he would be disciplined for shooting at a 'friendly', he nervously made his way to report his actions. However the officer scolded him for only firing 2 shots. The officer went on to say, that as Ray was a top marksman, he should have landed at least 4 rounds through the windscreen!

Ray Reynolds played in Britain's top league from 1950-1980, starting at just age 12. He played practically every position and was a frequent All-Star. He was Southern League MVP twice. He played for the British national team that won the Silver Medal at the 1967 European Championship. In 2013, he was inducted into the British Baseball Hall of Fame. Ray also enjoyed driving in 'Banger Car' races. 

Ray also was a keen and very popular volunteer for many years with The Airborne Assault museum and managed to convert 100s of old VHS tapes to a digital format before they were lost forever. 

Sadly passed away 10 November 2025. He will be sadly missed by the Airborne Assault team and his family and friends.