The Memorial Cross issued to the next-of-kin of Lt. Rowland Keith Reardon who saw service in the English Channel against German E-Boats before being accidentally killed in London just after D-Day.

 

Rowland Reardon was born at Auckland, New Zealand on 20th April 1913, son of Thomas William Reardon and Helen Evelyn Rowlands. He was educated at Mt Roskill School and Auckland Grammar. He married Nita Keesing in 1934 and by 1941 he was working as a Sales Manager and residing at Ellerslie, Auckland. Reardon's service file has not been obtained, but it is known he served as an officer with the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve, embarking for the UK in 1942. 

 

Reardon served in the English Channel on motor torpedo boats before posting to a minesweeper as Gunnery Officer. On 20th June 1944 Reardon fell 36 feet from a 4th floor window of the Cumberland Hotel in London, and died of his injuries at St Mary's Hospital. He is buried in Gillingham (Woodlands) Cemetery. There was no suggestion of foul play. 

 

The Memorial Cross is correctly engraved Lt. R.K. REARDON RNZNVR. It is probable Reardon qualified for the Atlantic Star for his service in the Channel.