Col. A. Reid “Speedy” Oliver

The sports’ achievements of A. Reid “Speedy” Oliver are legend in the Cambridge area. He was catcher for the Galt Terriers who won the Inter-County Senior Baseball championships fourteen times. He was also a fine junior hockey player, gaining his nickname in this sport.

He went overseas with the 11th Battalion as a signals’ officer in the First World War and later served with the Royal Flying Corps in France.

On his return to Canada he became commanding officer of the 2nd Infantry Brigade, Highland Light Infantry. During the Second World War he was in command of the HLI Reserve Battalion, attaining the rank of colonel. He later commanded the 2nd Infantry Brigade, became honorary lieutenant-colonel of the regiment and was awarded the Volunteer Decoration Medal.