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Charles Henry Reed (1919–1974)

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Charles Henry Reed (1919-1974) coalminer and trade union official

Birth: 12 February 1919 at Bowen, Queensland son of Frederick Robert Reed (1875-1932), a labourer, born at Newchurch, Isle of Wight, England, and Alice, née Fawke (1882-1957), born at Roma, Queensland. Marriage: 7 February 1947 at Bowen, Queensland to Virginia May Klauke. They had one daughter. Death: 25 June 1974 in Base Hospital, Mackay, Queensland. Religion: Anglican. 

  • Coal miner at Burgowan mine, Maryborough district, Queensland.
  • Mobilized for part-time duty in the Australian Military Forces on 7 June 1942. Discharged on 18 May 1944.
  • Sometime vice-president Queensland district of Miners' Federation.
  • Ceased underground work 1971 after foot injury. Went to Peak Downs open cut, becoming open cut examiner.
  • Cause of death: bronchopneumonia (2 days) and Carcinoma colon (6 months).

Sources
Pete Thomas, Miners in the 1970s: a narrative history of the Miners’ Federation (Sydney, 1983).

Additional Resources and Scholarship

Citation details

'Reed, Charles Henry (1919–1974)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/reed-charles-henry-34717/text43686, accessed 24 June 2026.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

12 February, 1919
Bowen, Queensland, Australia

Death

25 June, 1974 (aged 55)
Mackay, Queensland, Australia

Cause of Death

cancer (bowel)

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Occupation or Descriptor
Military Service
Key Organisations