Stanley Francis Reid, while a medical student at Melbourne, took a keen interest in flying and was one of a small band of students who joined the Citizen Air Force at Laverton, where he won his 'wings'. After qualifying MB BS Melbourne in 1936 he held posts as RMO in the Royal Melbourne Hospital, 1937-1938, and at the Children's Hospital in 1939. On the outbreak of war in 1939 he immediately volunteered for service, though working at the time for his MS degree, which he obtained. On call-up he was posted to the Medical Directorate, but pleaded to go overseas and was allowed to do so. As Squadron Medical Officer with No 3 Fighter Squadron he was often to be found helping with surgery in the RAF mobile hospital nearby, where his presence was welcomed. He was good with his hands in every way, and used to make furniture from packing cases for the squadron mess, where he was popular with all ranks for his enthusiasm and example as well as for his medical care. On returning to Australia he was posted to the RAAF New Guinea command as a Wing Commander, and was awarded the OBE for his outstanding services. After the war he was appointed consultant surgeon to the RAAF with the rank of Group Captain. He took the FRACS in 1944 and the FRCS in 1947. In 1956 he was appointed in-patient surgeon to Prince Henry's Hospital, Melbourne, and in 1962 became Dean of the Clinical School. He was also consultant surgeon to the Women's Hospital, Queen Victoria Hospital, Melbourne, and to the Special Limb-fitting Centre and the Repatriation Department, Melbourne. He was elected to the Council of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 1958, was Censor-in-Chief from 1962 to 1966 and was made President in 1968. In 1966 he was appointed Honorary Surgeon to HM the Queen. He died on 9 October 1978, aged 66 survived by his wife, Jean.