| Regimental number | 578 |
| Date of birth | |
| Place of birth | Double Bay, New South Wales |
| School | Church of England Grammar School, North Sydney, New South Wales |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Grazier |
| Address | Sutherland Road, Chatswood, New South Wales |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 28 |
| Height | 5' 10" |
| Weight | 168 lbs |
| Next of kin | Father, Hon. R. J. Black, Sutherland Road, Chatswood, New South Wales |
| Previous military service | Nil |
| Enlistment date | |
| Place of enlistment | Holsworth, New South Wales |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 6th Light Horse Regiment, B Squadron |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 10/11/1 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board Transport A29 Suevic on |
| Regimental number from Nominal Roll | Commissioned |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Lieutenant |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 6th Light Horse Regiment |
| Promotions |
2nd Lieutenant Unit: LH6 Promotion date: Lieutenant Unit: LH6 Promotion date: |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Unspecified Recommendation date: Mention in Despatches Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', Supplement, No. 30169, 6 July 1917; 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 174, 11 October 1917. |
| Other details from Roll of Honour Circular | Mentioned in Despatches. Awarded the Military Cross. |
| Fate | Died of wounds |
| Place of death or wounding | Beersheba, Palestine |
| Age at death | 31 |
| Place of burial | Kantara War Memorial Cemetery (Row C, Grave No. 30), Egypt |
| Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Parents: Reginald James and Elanor BLACK. Native of Sydney, New South Wales |
| Medals |
Military Cross ''For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a night reconnaissance. He was sent with one troop, dismounted, to a point which was connected by telephone to regimental headquarters. After he had been gone two hours he sent word back that a column of the enemy was moving between him and regimental headquarters. The situation was extremely grave, for if the enemy had discovered the presence of our troops, it meant the loss of an advance squadron and this officer's troop. Although the enemy were pressing for two hours, and soon went within fifteen yards of his post, he kept his men under complete control and sent back full information of the enemy movement, which enabled the advance squadron to be recalled. By his extreme coolness and control over his men, and his continued attention to communications, although cut off from all support, this officer without doubt saved a critical situation.''
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 76 Date: |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Palestine Proceeded to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, Gallipoli, 15 May 1915; appointed to Corporal, Anzac Cove, 18 July 1915; appointed Lance Sergeant, 12 September 1915; reverted to Corporal, 28 September 1915; disembarked Alexandria, 25 December 1915. Marched out to Serapeum, 23 February 1916. Appointed Lieutenant, 1 March 1916. To hospital, Romani, 1 May 1916; admitted to 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital, Cairo, 2 May 1916 (venereal disease); discharged to unit, 10 June 1916; rejoined unit, 11 June 1916. To School of Instruction, Zeitoun, 25 November 1916; rejoined unit, 17 December 1916. Admitted to 2nd Light Horse Field Ambulance, Sheikh-Zowaiid, 21 February 1917 (dislocated shoulder); transferred to 54th Casualty Clearing Station, 22 February 1917; to 24th Stationary Hospital, 23 February 1917; to 14th Australian General Hospital, 26 February 1917; mentioned in despatches, 18 March 1917; discharged to AIF Headquarters, 4 April 1917; rejoined unit, 6 April 1917. Wounded in action, Um Urgan, 16 August 1917; admitted to 2nd Light Horse Field Ambulance, 16 August 1917 (gun shot wound, chest); transferred to Casualty Clearing Station, 16 August 1917; to New Zealand Field Ambulance, Shellal, 16 August 1917; to Hospital Train, 17 August 1917; to 65th Casualty Clearing Station, Rafa, 17 August 1917; died of wounds, 17 August 1917. Medals: Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Sources | NAA: B2455, BLACK Reginald |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
