Reginald Francis John Grisby was born on 20th April 1916 in Sittingbourne and was the only child of Francis William and Lizzie née Town. Francis worked as a crane driver for Lloyds Paper Mill. They married in 1915 in Sutton Valance.

In 1921 the family lived at  39 Pembury Street, Sittingbourne and the 1939 Register records them living at 108 College Road. Reginald is recorded as a Sentinel Driver’s Mate and St John Ambulance.

His position with St John Ambulance was probably the reason he enlisted with the Royal Army Medical Corps in about 1940. He entered Europe in June 1944 and less than a year later in May 1945 he was Mentioned in Despatches, which entitled him to wear an oak leave on his medals. On 21st August 1945, the London Gazette announced Reginald had been awarded the Military Medal. The East Kent Gazette issues 25th August 1945 and 15th September 1945 reported his award, published below.

On 15th December 1950 Reginald married Dorothy Hartland in Borden’s church. Dorothy died on 23rd October 1993 and they were recorded living at Umtali, Hearts Delight. In 1995 Reginald married Ellen Lewin, née Pullen.

Reginald died in 2000.