Robert August Reiber enlisted into the 1st Battalion, The Tyneside Scottish, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) before volunteering for airborne forces in 1943.
He qualified as a military parachutist on course 49 which ran at RAF Ringway from 1 to 18 February 1943. The course instructors’ notes read ‘Pte Reiber: Worked hard, showed no hesitation, makes good team man.’
Robert Reiber served in 13 Platoon, C Company 5th (Scottish) Parachute Battalion. He saw active service in Italy, South of France (Op Dragoon), Greece and Palestine.
By the time he deployed on Op Dragoon he had been promoted to Corporal. Paratroops jumping from his aircraft were scattered 10 miles north of the drop zone, between Bargemon and Fayence. He landed at about 5.00 AM on 15 August 1944.
Later promoted to Sergeant, Robert Reiber was awarded a Military Medal for actions in Greece during Op Manna, which was announced in the London Gazette on 10 May 1945.
He was demobilised and transferred to the Army Reserve in August 1946.
Robert Reiber, maintained a number of interests and hobbies, including singing, amateur dramatics, and ballroom dancing. He died on 30 August 2012.
Compiled with assistance of the "15 August 1944” Airborne Task Force Museum Association. Southern France.
Read More
Latest Comments
There are currently no comments for this content.
Add Comment
In order to add comments you must be registered with ParaData.
If you are currently a ParaData member please login.
If you are not currently a ParaData member but wish to get involved please register.