MAX Reynolds’s military service was a very short period of his life – less than three of his 91 years - but like so many service personnel, the war had a profound and lasting influence on the rest of his life. 

Max followed his brother, Bill, into the Royal Australian Air Force, enlisting in February 1943, and was discharged in September 1945 with the rank of Flying Officer.

He completed his elementary and basic flying training in Narromine before moving to Point Cook.

He then sailed to England in January 1944, where on arrival in March 1944, he was posted with 104 Squadron of Bomber Command.

He continued his training in England and Palestine, starting operations in October 1944, flying Wellington bombers and later American Liberators.

Max survived 16 missions, flying from a base in Foggia, Italy, attacking targets in German-occupied areas of southern Europe and North Africa.

A training exercise in Palestine, flying a ‘rejected’ Wellington bomber, came closest to taking his life, and his crew’s lives, when the engine caught fire resulting in a crash landing.

He lost his brother in the Pacific battle, also an air force pilot (fighter), which changed Max’s career path, returning him, following his discharge, to the family farm in Cumnock.

He married Suzanne Manchee in 1954 and had three children – Scott, Ross and Rebecca. He remained in Cumnock until his ‘retirement’ to Orange in 1992.

Max was one of the founding members of Cumnock’s sub-branch of the Returned and Services League in 1945, and remained an active member until the sub-branch was forced to close in 1980 due to dwindling membership.

He held an executive role in the sub-branch consistently from 1948 until its closure.

He was awarded Life Membership of the RSL in July 1979, with his recommendation letter stating “Max Reynolds has been a stalwart to Cumnock Sub-branch over a period of many years and it is mainly through his continuous efforts that this remains viable in a very small hamlet.

I consider him worthy of recognition due to his continuing interest and support of the League and have pleasure in recommending him for life membership”.

Max was also a member of the Orange branch of the Air Force Association until its closure.

Max began his work for Legacy in 1969 in Cumnock, and continued when he moved to Orange.

He was proud of the work done by him and his fellow legatees in fundraising and providing support and services to families who may be experiencing difficulties following the death or injury of a spouse or parent during or after their military service.

His commitment to the charity resulted in his serving as President of Orange Legacy in 1991, and he was honoured to be made Patron in 2012.

At his death, Max was the longest serving member of Orange Legacy.

Legacy Appeal Week funds assist approximately 70,000 widows and 1,900 children and people with disabilities.