One Family's Journey Through War and Remembrance
From the battlefields of the First World War to modern-day military service and the Army Cadets, Staff Sergeant Gareth Reddie shares how his family’s history of courage and sacrifice continues to inspire future generations.
For Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV) Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Gareth Reddie, Remembrance is more than an annual tradition. It is a personal connection to generations of his family who served in the Armed Forces, including a great-grandfather who lost his life during the First World War and a grandfather who survived the Second World War.
Having served 22 years in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), including operational tours in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, Gareth understands the sacrifices made by those who serve.
Today, as a CFAV with the Army Cadet Force (ACF), he is passing that understanding on to the next generation, including his own son, who followed in his footsteps by joining the Army Cadets.
A Family History of Courage and Sacrifice
Gareth’s military family history stretches back to his great-grandfather, Thomas Reddie, from Dunfermline, who served with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders during the First World War.
Thomas lost his life during the conflict, as did three of his brothers, leaving the family to endure unimaginable loss.
His service was recognised with the 1914–15 Star, British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal, which remain treasured family possessions.
For Gareth, his great-grandfather’s sacrifice carries particular significance.
“My great-grandfather’s service resonates with me the most as he too was in the Army. The way he died in the conditions he was in hits hard with me, and the fact he lost three brothers also during the Great War must have left the family so broken.”
On his mother’s side, Gareth’s grandfather, Charles Alexander McInroy, served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War.
Originally from Perth, Charles was a Petty Officer chef who served aboard HMS Liverpool during the Arctic Convoys and HMS Goathland during the D-Day landings.
Unlike his great-grandfather, Charles survived the war, and Gareth was fortunate enough to know him before he passed away.
However, like many veterans of his generation, Charles rarely spoke about his wartime experiences.
One light-hearted family memory has survived. Following the war, Charles was tasked with painting white lines around a parade square at Cultybraggan Camp in Perthshire. After accidentally spilling a pot of white paint, he quickly painted a perfectly neat white square to disguise the mistake, successfully avoiding the attention of the Company Sergeant Major.
Preserving the Memories of Those Who Served
Although many stories of his relatives’ wartime experiences were never passed down, Gareth’s family has carefully preserved photographs, medals, letters and personal belongings that provide a connection to their past.
Among the most meaningful possessions are his great-grandfather’s ring, cap badge and pocket watch, which were returned to his wife following his death.
The family also holds letters, photographs and records of his great-grandmother’s visit to his grave in Cambrai, France.
One particularly poignant keepsake is a small flower she picked at the cemetery, preserved as a lasting reminder of her visit.
For Gareth, these objects represent far more than historical artefacts. They are reminders of the real people and families behind the names recorded on war memorials.
“Every service number, photograph, medal and family story represents a real person, with loved ones, hopes and a life beyond their uniform.”
Following in Their Footsteps
Gareth’s own military journey began when he joined the Army Cadets in 1994.
Four years later, he enlisted in the REME, beginning a 22-year career that would take him on operations in Bosnia and two tours of Iraq and Afghanistan.
He completed his military service in November 2020, leaving as a Staff Sergeant after serving at RAF Luchars with 2 Battalion REME.
Rather than leaving his experiences behind, Gareth decided to use his knowledge to support young people.
In February 2021, he became an adult volunteer, determined to give back to the organisation that helped shape his future.
“I wanted to give back to the young cadets my experiences and knowledge and to mentor them into young adults,” he explained.
His commitment to the Army Cadets has also inspired his son, who joined in 2024 after becoming old enough.
Gareth recalls his son telling him that he wanted to join because he was proud of his father and wanted to follow in his footsteps.
For Gareth, sharing his first Remembrance parade with his son as a cadet was an especially proud moment.
Remembering the True Cost of Conflict
Throughout his life, Gareth has participated in numerous Remembrance parades, first as a cadet, then as a serving soldier and now as an adult volunteer.
Some of his most poignant memories come from his time in Afghanistan, where Remembrance services and the farewell journeys of fallen comrades brought home the realities of military sacrifice.
These experiences have shaped his belief that Remembrance must recognise not only those who lost their lives, but also those who returned home carrying physical and emotional scars.
“To me, Remembrance is about far more than simply remembering those who lost their lives in conflict. It is about recognising the courage, sacrifice and selflessness of ordinary people who were placed in extraordinary circumstances, and ensuring that their stories are never forgotten.”
He believes the Army Cadets have an important role in helping young people understand the human stories behind military history.
As an Army Cadets instructor, Gareth wants cadets to develop not only practical skills but also the values of courage, loyalty, compassion, resilience and respect.
“Remembrance should not simply be about looking backwards; it should influence how we behave, how we treat others and how we contribute to society.”
Keeping Their Legacy Alive
For Gareth, the responsibility of Remembrance now rests with younger generations.
His family’s history, his own military experiences and his son’s involvement in the Army Cadets demonstrate how the values of service and sacrifice can continue to influence families across generations.
His message to today’s cadets is simple but powerful:
“Never take for granted the freedoms you enjoy today, because they came at a price that previous generations were prepared to pay.”
He encourages young people to look beyond the two minutes of silence and remember the individuals, families and sacrifices behind every name on a memorial.
“You are the generation entrusted with keeping their memory alive. Wear your uniform with pride, live by the values you are taught, and never forget that your freedom today is built upon the sacrifices of those who came before you.”
For Gareth and his family, Remembrance is not simply about honouring the past. It is about ensuring the courage, sacrifice and stories of those who served continue to inspire generations to come.