113090 Lt. Archie Black, MC was born on 2nd February, 1889, in Orillia, Ontario.
Apprenticed as a jeweller, Archie made jewellery from silver ore in Cobalt Ontario.
Joining the CEF, with the 8th CMR [which was later absorbed into the 4th CMR in January 1916], when the War started, like so many, Archie never spoke of his war experiences but comrades often told me of how much he was respected and portrayed him as a hero. His friends spoke of experiences on the Somme.
Archie was awarded an MC, the Military Cross, and his citation reads:
"For gallantry and devotion to duty during operations 5th November, 1918, near Vicq. He made a daring reconnaissance before the assault, gaining valuable information, greatly assisting the success of the operations. Later, during the assault, he personally supervised the establishing of a defensive flank under heavy rifle and machine gun fire."
After the War, Archie worked for a jeweller in Sarnia, Ontario, where he met my mother, Ruth Glynn. They moved to Windsor, Ontario, where Archie established a jewellery business, which he ran into his late 70's.
Archie died on 23rd August, 1970. My Mother died the following year. He is survived by myself (Richard Black), four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Image: Archie Black (centre), with brothers Jim (left) and Fred (right), taken whilst on leave in London around summer, 1918.
Please click on the image to see a larger version of the picture.
Picture and biography credit: Richard Black