Becher, Archibald Valancey

The youngest son of Henry and Katharine Campbell Becher, Archibald Valancey Becher was born at Thornwood on August 3, 1877. He was educated in private schools and graduated from the Medical Department of Western University in 1900. After completing his training, Dr. Becher practiced medicine in London. Becher interrupted his medical studies in 1900 to serve with Canada’s volunteer units in the South African War. He joined the 6th Field Battery in London in 1905 and became the unit’s medical officer, with the rank of Major, in 1912. Major Becher enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in World War I and served as medical officer in the 33rd Battalion. A member of the Conservative Club, Becher served as its vice-president and was elected its president shortly before his departure for military service in 1915. He also and served as president of the Irish Benevolent Society from 1914 to 1915. On January 8, 1913, Becher married Flora (“Topsy”) Adine Wilson, daughter of Dr. John Dolway Wilson and Flora Jessie Edith Cameron of London. The Bechers had two children: John Campbell (born 1913) and Archibald Alexander Cameron (1916). Archibald Becher died on December 25, 1915, on his way overseas with the 33rd Battalion.