Colin Reid:
Uncovering the Stories that Shape Us
Welcome to my website. For over 40 years, my work has been driven by my passion for our natural and cultural heritage. My principal domain is the world of objects. Whether studying the world of rocks and fossils or devising grand-scale museum exhibitions, my goal is always to shine a light on the tangible legacy of our past.
If you are a planner seeking a consultant to help bring your heritage project to life; an event organiser looking for an engaging speaker; a traveller wanting a memorable heritage experience; or a reader searching for a powerful story of historical discovery, then read on…
THE DIGGER’S DIARY
A forgotten soldier. A bullet-pierced diary. A 22-year quest to uncover the truth.
When museum curator Colin Reid is handed a bullet-pierced diary for a Great War exhibition, it sets him on a decades-long quest to discover the fate of its owner, Corporal Claude Nuttall MM.
This remarkable true story recounts that journey: from the heartland of England to the battlefields of France, and on to Nuttall’s homeland of Australia. It chronicles the piecing together of a forgotten life — a tale of love, faith, and unimaginable bravery — and the improbable series of chance events that brought together two families, separated for a century by war.
The Digger’s Diary is a testament to the value of the cherished items in our lives. Items that have little intrinsic value but are utterly priceless. In the case of the Digger’s diary, a relic that would elevate its owner from total obscurity to veneration by the people of the nation he fought to liberate.
What reviewers have said:
‘Truly powerful. Crafted by a gifted, investigative researcher and wordsmith.’
‘I loved this. Warm, personal, and deeply engaging — a story that resonates across generations.’
NEW BOOK OUT ON 27th OCTOBER 2026
PRE-ORDER A COPY OF THE DIGGER’S DIARY
AUSTRALIA / NEW ZEALAND:
‘THE DIGGER’S DIARY’ CAN BE PRE-ORDERED ONLINE THROUGH MOST MAJOR BOOK SUPPLIERS, INCLUDING:
AMAZON ABBEY’S DYMOCK’S READINGS BOOKTOPIA THE NILE
UK
‘THE DIGGER’S DIARY’ CAN BE PRE-ORDERED ONLINE AS A PAPERBACK THROUGH THIS WEBSITE, OR ‘THE NILE’ (Colour Plates), AND AS AN EBOOK THROUGH AMAZON AND OTHER ONLINE PROVIDERS.
BOOK LAUNCHES
UK LAUNCH:
DUDLEY LOCAL HISTORY FESTIVAL
Thursday 15th October 6.30 PM, STOURBRIDGE LIBRARY Crown Centre, Stourbridge DY8 1YE
Saturday 17th October 2.15 PM DUDLEY LIBRARY St.James’s Road, Dudley DY1 1HR
Admission free. Scan QR code for tickets
AUSTRALIA LAUNCH:
Saturday 7th November (12.30pm) ANZAC MEMORIAL, SYDNEY. 126 Elizabeth St. Sydney NSW 2000 Hosted by the Western Front Association.
For tickets contact :
Paul Samadas, RFD Lieutenant Colonel, Chairman, Australian NSW branch: wfaaustraliabranch@gmail.com
Thursday 12th November (2.00pm) SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE Birdwood Avenue Melbourne 3004
Book Tickets below: https://www.ticketebo.com.au/the-diggers-diary-melbourne-book-launch
HERITAGE:
The valued objects, practices, traditions, and places that are passed down from previous generations and are considered worth preserving for the future.
Get in touch.
If you a comment or query please drop me a line.
