Dale GervaisFeature image: Sgt. David Reynolds poses with his Speed Graphic, somewhere in England. Photo credit: Lt. Edward Bonter, Library & Archives Canada.
“June 8th, 1944.
A jeep pulls into the Public Relations camp.
A paratrooper, still in full uniform, struggles to step out of a jeep and stumbles towards camp.
Sgt. Dave Reynolds, Sergeant cameraman with the Canadian Film & Photo Unit, reaches a tent and is immediately swarmed by his fellow Film Unit comrades, who help him inside.
Tired almost to exhaustion, his face dirty, his left hand bandaged where he had received slight cuts, paratrooper-cameraman, Dave Reynolds begins to recount the events of the past four days, beginning with Monday, June 5th, the evening before D-Day. His assignment at the time; to obtain a film record of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion in action.
REYNOLDS: “We stayed in transit areas in England for four or five days before D-Day. When the big stunt was postponed spirits sagged very low, but climbed again when the go-ahead signal came Monday.
We took off four minutes late, with big 75-pound packs strapped to our legs. When the action stations order came it was supposed to mean 15 minutes to go, but we had been ready for more than an hour.
The plane climbed and dove to avoid flak, and things seem to be burning outside.
After a while the green light came on telling us to go.
When Reynolds jumped, he had strapped to his body still and movie cameras as well as a full compliment of combat weapons. Reynolds dropped wide of his rendezvous area, and came down in a deserted stretch of land losing his movie camera during the descent.
REYNOLDS: “I was the most scared person in Continental Europe, looking for a sniper behind every tree.”
After wandering in the dark for more than an hour, Reynolds joined a small unit of British paratroops making for a cluster of houses. Reynolds was assigned to lead a section into the first house. As he pushed open the door, Reynolds spotted a German officer in the hall. The Nazi went down under a burst from the cameraman’s Sten gun. Other paratroops whom Reynolds had assigned to approach the house from the rear killed two more Germans. Having fulfilled his fighting mission, Reynolds was released to apply himself to taking still pictures.
Back in camp, Dave Reynolds finally succumbs to exhaustion and falls asleep, the men of the Film & Photo Unit surround him in silent amazement and help bed him down for the night.
(The above description taken from the following articles: RL Sanburn, Citizen war correspondent, The evening Citizen Ottawa Ontario, Saturday, June 10, 1944, Hamilton man tells thrilling tale of paratroop landings on coast / L.S.B. Shapiro, Camera Commandos, Maclean’s magazine, 15th April, 1945.)
Born on September 23rd, 1916, David Alexander Reynolds would enlist with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals. Reynolds would soon make an effort for a transfer to the Army Film Unit, having work experience in the “G” Photo section. “Employed under Lt. Magrus, ex I.O., 1st Canadian Division during formation of present Corps photo section.“
He has been employed in this unit as a switchboard operator, but though very efficient at this he does not stand much chance of getting ahead as he is not a line or wireless operator. His general conduct, appearance and behaviour are very good. He is keen on your type of work and it is recommended that this application be given every possible consideration. Comd. C.S. Kee, 1st Cdn. Div. Signals. 21st, December 1941.
After two years as a Cipher Corporal with the Sigs, Reynolds would be successful in making the transfer to the Canadian Film & Photo Unit in 1943.
Before the war, Reynolds ran his own film company, Filmart, working in conjunction with Booth Canadian Films in Toronto, producing industrials and trailers. He had experience with 35mm and 16mm camera working, notably the Universal brand of cameras.
Reynolds would also spend time as a radio commentator at station CHML in Hamilton, Ontario.
In the interview with the head of the CFPU, J.E.R. McDougall would describe Reynolds as, ‘very intelligent type, well-educated, good voice.’
Reynolds would attend the first Cinemagraph course at Pinewood Studios in England, from 17th May to the 29th of June 1943.He would attain a standard proficiency equivalent to that required to pass Army Trades Test photographer (Cine) Group “B” on 6th JULY 1943. Signed Major H. Stewart, Comd. Army Film Unit.
(These six would also be the first ones to go to the Pinewood school; H-12157 Bdr. Game, G.A. 13 Bty, 6th Field Regiment, RCA // B-31171 Cpl. Reynolds, D.A., Intelligence Section, HQ Ist Division // K-52339 Pte. Anderson, E.C. Seaforths of Canada // K-53057 Pte. Campbell, J., Seaforths of Canada // C-1707 Gunner Bonter, E.R.. HQ First Army // K-92044 Cpl. Newlands, B., P & S Detachment, RCASC, CMHQ)
On the 15th of Sept, 1943, a memo was issued to have Sgt. Bonter, and Sgt Reynolds attached to No. 1 Canadian Parachute Battalion, to obtain a film record of parachute training by No.1 Canadian Parachute Battalion now attached to the 6th Airborne Division (British).
Above image: Sgt. David Reynolds poses after receiving his wings in Canadian Army Newsreel 19, “Canada Jumps”. Click on image to view Newsreel.
Above image: Eve of D-Day. CFPU Personnel assigned for first wave of invasion. Left to right: E.R. Bonter; Colin McDougall; L.E. Weekes; F.L Dubervill’ C.E. Roos; W.G. Grant; D.A. Reynolds. Credit: Canada. Dept. of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA- 166305.
In a short history of the CFPU written by Brian O’Regan (a despatch rider for the CFPU), it says about Sgt. Dave Reynolds;
“At midnight on June 5, 1944, there was an Allied aerial attack in which 10,000 tons of bombs were dropped on France. An hour later, tough, ready paratroopers jumped into the pitch blackness over Normandy to seize crossroads and bridges for the assault forces coming from the sea. With them was SGT Dave Reynolds, a former radio announcer in Hamilton, loaded down with all the normal equipment of a paratrooper as well as motion picture and still picture camera equipment.
Reynolds became the first Allied photographer to land in Normandy, but he lost his cine camera in the drop: He was pressed into service as a combatant when paratroop MAJ. Jeff Nicklin ordered him to lead a group of five British paratroopers to clear the enemy from a row of cottages. Three Germans were killed in the successful action before Dave got back into action with his still camera.
His still camera work resulted in the first pictures of the D-Day airborne action to reach London. Reynolds, who was the only CFPU member to see action twice in France, the first time in Dieppe in 1940, became a casualty on D+8, and was evacuated to England.”
Photographs shot by Sgt. David Reynolds on June 6th, 1944. “Reynolds scored a world beat. His four invasion stills were the first published by the Press in this country and North America.“
Members of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, Flight Officer Robinson (RCAF) and British Glider pilot resting at a assembly point in Normandy. Credit: D.A. Reynolds / Library and Archives Canada. PA209700 / Copy negative 33832.
This photo would appear in the Buckingham Post, July 7th, 1944. A visitor to the website would reach out with this additional information on the photo.
Hello Dale,
Thank you for your reply. It was wonderful to learn that Reynolds went in with the Canadian paratroopers on D-Day and was the first allied camerman landed and published. The Buckingham Post photo you mention is the same one I came across on the web.
The man holding the Luger is S/Sgt Bone, a glider pilot, attached to the 9th Battalion. He landed his glider next to the Meriville Battery on D-Day. The glow-in-the-dark skull and cross bone decal (?) above his glider wings was issued to 9th Battalion members for recognition purposes.
The RAF officer was mentioned by Bouchery, but little else is known about him other than the fact he managed to survive a crash or forced landing.
The man on the left is perhaps a Canadian paratrooper. I thought I had identified him from an intriguing statement found in a web account. However, his daughter on contact couldn’t see a likeness to her father. The material draped around him is perhaps a sling, but his right arm appears to be missing, unless held behind or in his smock. Though hardly noticeable there appear to be wings on his left breast. There are a couple of possibilities there, the obvious being that 1 Canadian Para were unique in that regard. Sgt. Dean, Bone’s co-pilot, may also have to be considered.
At divisional HQ Bone was assigned the task of taking press members and the RAF officer back to the beach with a contingent of glider pilots for return to England. Divisional HQ was in the Chateau de Heaume (Hom) in Ranville en Haut at that time. Perhaps that’s where the photo was taken? It’s not known if Reynolds accompanied them or was sending film or footage back?
I’ll include the photo I have as an attachment, but I suspect you may already have a version. If I run across anything else by Reynolds or others of the CFPU not shown in the Archives I’ll let you know.
I praise the Archives for putting up decent digital WW2 photos for viewing by the general public. I wish the IWM would adopt similar policies. My father was with the 7th Battalion and dropped into a Ranville tree on D-Day and I suppose that’s why I go off on wild tangents at times – haha!
But thanks for taking the time … much appreciated.
Members of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion and British Paratroopers resting in an assembly area in Normandy. 6th June, 1944. Credit: D.A. Reynolds / Library and Archives Canada / PA- Restrictions on use: Nil. Copyright: Expired. Copy negative PA-209701 / 33910.
British Glider Pilots protected by the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion are evacuated back to England. 6th June, 1944. Credit: D.A. Reynolds / Library and Archives Canada / PA- Restrictions on use: Nil Copyright: Expired. Copy negative PA-209702 / 33912.
Paratrooper on guard at the outskirts of wooded area. Credit: D.A. Reynolds / Library and Archives Canada / PA- Restrictions on use: Nil. Copyright: Expired. Copy negative PA-209703 / 33917.
Photographs shot by Sgt. David Reynolds on June 8th, 1944.
[Canadian soldier talking to a member of the Maquis, France, 8 June, 1944.]. Copy negative PA-129045 / 33830. Photographer: Reynolds, D.A. Library & Archives Canada.
[Unidentified troops along-side road somewhere in Normandy, France, ca. 8 June 1944.]. Credit: Canada. Dept. of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA- 130154 / 33831. Restrictions on use: Nil. Copyright: Expired. Photographer: Reynolds, D.A.
[Canadian troops outside house somewhere in Normandy, France, ca. 8 June 1944.]. Credit: Canada. Dept. of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada. PA- 130155 / 33829. Restrictions on use: Nil. Copyright: Expired. Photographer: Reynolds, D.A.
Possibly connected to the photo above is, “Noisy Canadians Recall Normandy”, wherein a French lady from one of the occupied chateau’s called out in perfect English, “You are welcome, but you make too much noise.”
Excerpt from a letter by combat cameraman, Sgt. Hugh McCaughey written on June 9th, 1944, who, in a letter home writes, “But the most spectacular story is that of Dave Reynolds who was in the paratroops.”
“He dropped behind the German lines, fought his way out and arrived in our camp last night here in England. We bedded him down in our tent and he took off his clothes for the first time in four nights and passed out with exhaustion.
He had a couple of bullet nicks, but apart from that was unharmed.
He lost his 35mm camera when it crashed in a glider, but took coloured pictures with a 16mm one and a couple of rolls of 120 stills.”
To read more about Sgt. McCaughey and his letters home please visit;
Cameraman Leads paratroops bests German officer in duel
BY MAURICE DESJARDINS – Canadian Press War Correspondent (The Maple Leaf Newspaper, Belgium Edition, 18th September, 1944, page 3.)
“Sgt. Dave Reynolds of a Canadian film and photo unit was lifted from civilian life by the war four days after it began and was dropped down into France early in the morning of D-day by parachute.
Attached as a cameraman to a Canadian paratroop battalion, he picked himself up in the dark and started out to try and find his unit.
As he proceeded, he came across a group of paratroops, took charge of them as senior NCO, and led them as they all groped their way across enemy territory. Finally, they came across an officer who was reforming his unit for an advance. (Image right: Sgt. Dave Reynolds on the eve of D-Day posing with a Rolleiflex and 35mm Eyemo camera. PA166305. LAC.)
“You’re just in time to come up with our attack on that strong point ahead,” the officer told Reynolds. “Take five men and go through those cottages off to the left. There are probably snipers in them.”
At the officer’s orders, the 28-year-old Torontonian picked five men and led them off in the direction of the cottages. Reynolds posted two men at the entrance of the lane leading to the row of cottages. With the remainder, he carried on.
In the first cottage, they found a frightened group of French civilians. Reynolds detailed one man to keep an eye on them, and he entered the next cottage alone.
As he entered the door, he was just in time to confront a young German officer descending the narrow stairs with a Luger in his hand. Before the Nazi could pull the trigger of his pistol, Reynolds had him covered with his Sten, and fired. The German slumped to the foot of the stairs, dead.”
In an extract from, Boys of the Clouds: An Oral History of the 1St Canadian Parachute Battalion 1942-1945, by Gary C. Boegel (Author), a former paratrooper with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, describes his encounter with Sgt. Dave Reynolds;
Richard Hilborn: "When we changed the aircraft I have a memory that we had supply containers underneath. Many of these parachute planes were also equipped with bombs to drop helter-skelter over the coast of France as we went inland. If I remember correctly, somewhere or other in the confusion of changing planes our containers got dropped on the tarmac. That caused a little bit of consternation at the time. We then got into the standby aircraft. I recall that there was a Sgt. Reynolds that was from the press corps, a war reporter of some sort that was in my plane. (He was actually a Canadian Film and Photo Unit photographer attached to the Battalion, Ed.) I think I met him sometime after the war and he said we got there rather ahead of schedule because we didn't have to line up and go in formation. We missed out on the scheduled take off so we just went straight across and arrived about the same time we should have arrived. We may have been slightly early, but I don't know if anyone will ever know that."
Photographs shot by Sgt. David Reynolds, JUNE, 1944
Personnel of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. Copy negative PA-142273 / 33913. Credit: D.A. Reynolds/Canada. Dept. of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada. Restrictions on use: Nil. Copyright: Expired
Unidentified member of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion with unidentified R.A.F. pilot. Credit: D.A. Reynolds/Canada. Dept. of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada. Restrictions on use: Nil. Copyright: Expired Copy negative PA-142268 / 33914
Group of German prisoners. Copy negative PA-142269 / 33915. Credit: D.A. Reynolds/Canada. Dept. of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada. Restrictions on use: Nil . Copyright: Expired
Group of German prisoners. Credit: D.A. Reynolds/Canada. Dept. of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada. Restrictions on use: Nil. Copyright: Expired. Copy negative PA-142274 / 33916
Citations from the Film Unit, VIEWFINDER (SOON TO BE PUBLISHED!!!)
PROD 1, ROLL 1 – 1FEB1944 News and Views by Camera Crank; Sgts. Dave Reynolds and ‘Parascoop’ Bonter are giving the local girls a treat while here on a 10 days leave. Dave is doing a turn for the B.B.C…..
PROD 1, ROLL 2 – 15FEB1944 News and Views by Camera Crank; DAVE REYNOLDS and ‘SCOOP’ BONTER have turned in some good material that will soon [appear] in the newsreel as a paratroop story.
PROD 1, ROLL 12 – 26JULY1944 Now there is the story of how Capt. C. McDougall recovered the camera which Sgt. Dave Reynolds of Toronto, the photog who jumped with the Cdn. Paratroopers on “D”Day, lost in the hectic hours of that day. The story is a good one and every time Capt. McDougall tells it he improves on the last one. I know, because I have heard the story several times. I am just waiting until he reaches his best story and then I will pass it along. But, in the meantime, if you want to hear the story just ask Colin how he recovered the camera. It is a good one and one which will go down in history in the CPPU…And speaking of Sgt. Reynold’s camera reminds us that it is damaged – – – damaged when it was thrown out of the window when our billets were shelled – – – that story also is by Capt. McDougall.
PROD 4, ROLL 13 – 30AUG1944 …Speaking of paratroops our old friend Sgt. DAVE REYNOLDS is back in town looking little the worse for his greatest experience…the D-Day landing with the Canadian Airborne troops. Reynolds scored a world beat. His four invasion stills were the first published by the Press in this country and North America.
PROD 1, ROLL 27 – 15JULY1945 CFPU HITS THE SLICKS. Here are some “firsts” with which it is generally credited. Sgt. Dave Reynolds, who had been trained as a paratrooper for this particular assignment, dropped into Normandy with his camera…the first Allied cameraman to land on French soil.
PROD 36, ROLL 2 – 24JAN1946. CIVVY STREET. DAVE REYNOLDS is writing on the editorial staff of Toronto Star Weekly.
INTERVIEW WITH MARSHA REYNOLDS
David Reynolds career would continue after the war in the news and broadcast industry. As cited in the VIEWFINDER entry for 24th of January, 1946 above, Reynolds would find employment writing on the editorial staff of the Toronto Star Weekly.
In a conversation with his daughter Marsha, I would learn that David Reynolds would falter soon after the war ended. Like many of the veterans of world wars, the toll on the battlefield would manifest itself within the family and in public life.
Not officially recognized at the time, but Dave Reynolds would suffer from PTSD, a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Sgt. Reynolds would experience both of these symptoms first hand.
Marsha would explain, “as you probably know my Father had a tough life after the war. He was an alcoholic and as a result my parents split up in the early sixties. He was a journalist and ended up writing on the National for CBC in the 60’s, but was fired because of the alcohol problems.“
“Something that is interesting about him is that his father, David Percy Reynolds died at Passchendale in 1917 and is listed as one of the unknown soldiers in the book in Ottawa. I’ve never seen a picture of my Grandfather David Percy Reynolds so I’m looking for that.“
Marsha recalls the caricature drawn of her father, titled, ‘The Colonel‘ – She tells the story of chatting to David Halton (Dispatches from the Front) and asked if he knew her father. Halton would reply, “Oh, the Colonel!?” This was the first time someone had connected the caricature to her father. “That’s where that came from. Staff at the CBC had nicknamed him that. Halton adding, sad, how he ended up, suffering from PTSD and alcohol which drove him to the street. Marsha would add, “So sad because he was a brilliant man, and charming – no doubt about it.”
Many thanks to Marsha Reynolds for taking the time to chat with me and sharing the following newspaper clips she has gathered over the years about her father, Combat Cameraman, Sgt. David Alexander Reynolds.
I was surprised to learn that Dave Reynolds would also land at Dieppe. Quite possibly, Reynolds could be labelled one of the first Army photographers for the Unit along with Lt. Lawrence Audrain.
© Dale Gervais 2024
