Henry Robert Crouch – Rifle Brigade, 3rd Battalion
Serjeant Henry Robert Crouch – Rifle Brigade, 3rd Battalion
Birth and Family Background
Henry Robert Crouch was born in 1889 in Brighton,
Sussex, the son of Henry R. Crouch and Sarah A. Crouch.
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| 1901 Census |
The 1901 Census is the only confirmed census return in which Henry appears. At that time, the family were living at 29 George Street Gardens, Brighton. His father, Henry R., aged 32, was employed as a stationary engine driver, and his mother Sarah, also 32, was managing the home. Their children were Henry Robert, aged 12, and Christina C., aged 8.
Early Service
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| Royal Navy Records |
It is possible that Henry served with the Royal Navy from 1907, although surviving documentation does not confirm this with certainty.
Military Service
Henry later enlisted in the British Army and served as a Serjeant
with the Rifle Brigade, 3rd Battalion.
On 21st March 1918, the day Henry was killed, the German Army
launched Operation Michael, the opening phase of the German Spring
Offensive. Beginning before dawn with one of the heaviest artillery
bombardments of the war, the assault targeted British forces along a wide
front. British battalions such as the 3rd Battalion, Rifle Brigade were
subjected to intense shellfire, disrupted communications, collapsing trench
systems, and close-quarter attacks in heavy fog. Many units were forced into
chaotic withdrawals or isolated defensive actions, suffering severe casualties.
Marriage
In 1915, Henry married Adeal Christensen at Sheppey,
Kent.
Death
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| Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects |
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| Henry Robert Crouch Pozieres Memorial credit - findagrave |
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| 1921 Census |
The 1921 Census records Henry’s widow, Adeal Crouch, living at 15 Park Street, Mumbles, together with her 4-year-old son, Henry, and her 78-year-old mother, Ann Christensen.
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