Austin McReynolds was the son of Thomas Alexander and Mary Eliza McReynolds. He was born on 24th March 1897 in the Coagh area. He was one of at least nine children. The family had a farm near Kingsmills. His father was a Rural District Councillor. Austin McReynolds served with the Royal Garrison Artillery. Gunner McReynolds went through the 1915 Gallipoli campaign. He subsequently served in Egypt and then in France. By February 1918 he was serving in Italy.