Source: London 1st WW twitter post of news article.
Family Search: When Lieutenant Rupert Bland Crouch was born on 6 December 1896, in London, Canada West, British North America, his father, Alfred Edward Crouch, was 44 and his mother, Sarah Ann Bland, was 41. He married Olive on 14 April 1917, in London, England, United Kingdom. They were the parents of at least 1 son and 2 daughters. He registered for military service in 1915. In 1915, at the age of 19, his occupation is listed as bank clerk in London, Ontario, Canada. He died on 17 December 1958, in London Township, Middlesex, Ontario, Canada, at the age of 62, and was buried in Woodland Cemetery, London, Ontario, Canada.
“Rupert Bland Crouch was born to on December 6, 1896 at London, Ontario where he resided, attended school and later worked as a bank clerk. On January 11, 1915 he enlisted in the CEF with the 18th Battalion, going overseas with the 33rd Battalion when he suffered wounds and was placed with the 4th Reserve Battalion, then the 1st Co. Signals as a Lieutenant. When discharged he was employed in Toronto then London becoming a member of the 1st Hussars Non-Permanent Active Militia (NPAM) June 1920 until January 1938. In 1939 he returned to active service, organizing a Western Ontario Veterans Guard Co. at Windsor, Ontario. His next appointment was August 1, 1940 as Commanding Officer, No. 11 Training Center in Woodstock (later known as the Canadian Driving and Maintenance School). In December 1942, he was promoted to Colonel. Crouch retired, until 1951 when he organized and commanded 107 Manning Depot in London, Ontario. He also served as an administrative officer of Westminster Hospital London, Ontario. Col. Crouch passed away in 1958 at the age of 62.” – written by Keith Armstrong, Military Historian
The following photographs are of Colonel R. Bland Crouch’s grave at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London, Ontario. Photo credit: Paul Culliton.
The following photographs are of Colonel R. Bland Crouch’s grave at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London, Ontario. Photo credit: Paul Culliton.
LONDON SOLDIER IS WEDDED IN ENGLAND
Special Copyrighted Cable to the Free Press
London, April 18–Sergt. R. Bland Crouch, youngest sone of the late Alfred Crouch of London, Ontario, was married to Olive Dorothy, youngest daughter of Dr. and Mrs. E. King Houchin, of Ilford, Essex.
WINDEMERE
Sergt. Crouch enlisted in London in the 18th Battalion. He is a son of Mrs. Sarah A. and the late Alfred Crouch, he resided at 331 King Street. He was employed in the Bank of Toronto, and is 20 years of age. The bride is his cousin and fire years his senior.
Mrs. Crouch, the groom’s mother, was not aware of the marriage until informed of it by The Free Press. She knew, however, that the couple were engaged.
Sergt. Crouch was wounded in battle some months ago.
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 