Becher Memorial Plaque
Municipality/Province: London, ON
Memorial number: 35042-052
Type: Plaque
Address: 472 Richmond Street
Location: Inside the St. Paul's Cathedral
GPS coordinates: Lat: 42.985534 Long: -81.2504349
Submitted by: Richard Turcotte
This plaque is dedicated to the memory of Lieutenant Colonel Henry Campbell Becher and Major Archibald Valancey Becher.
Henry Campbell Becher was born on 20 January 1874 in London, Ontario. He attended Trinity College in Port Hope before studying law. He practiced law for some years before becoming a stockbroker but throughout his professional career, he displayed an interest in military affairs. In 1899, he joined the 7th Fusiliers in London, later becoming its Commanding Officer. In September 1914, he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force and was appointed Deputy Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, then stationed in Valcartier, QC. The Battalion sailed on 25 September 1914, arriving in England on 14 October. Following some training, the unit was transferred to France in February 1915 and was among those units gassed at Ypres in April 1915. Henry Campbell Becher was killed at Givenchy on 15 June 1915 when he was hit by a bullet having first sustained major injuries to his legs. He is buried at Beuvry Communal Cemetery.
Archibald Valancey Becher was born on 03 August 1877 in London, Ontario. Little is known of his upbringing though records indicate that he was a member of the first Canadian contingent to sail for the South African War, serving as a sergeant with B Company, Royal Canadian Regiment. Upon his return from South Africa, he studied medecine at the University of Western Ontario and embarked upon a medical career. Shortly after the outbreak of the First World War, he joined the Canadian Army Medical Corps and was appointed Medical Officer for the 33rd Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. Stationed at The Citadel in Quebec City with the 33rd Battalion, Major Archibald Becher contracted double pneumonia and died on 25 December 1915. He is buried at the London (Woodland) Cemetery.
Inscription found on memorial
To the glory of God and in loving memory of these brothers
Lieutenant Colonel
Henry Campbell Becher
1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, C.E.F.
Killed in Action
at Givenchy, France
June 15th, 1915
Aged 41 years
Major
Archibald Valancey Becher
Canadian Army Medical Corps
33rd Battalion, C.E.F.
Died in performance of duty
December 25th, 1915
Aged 37 years
Till the day dawn
Street view
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