Captain Henry Richard Cruise

Obituary:

Henry R. Cruise was the youngest son of Sir Francis Cruise, M.D., D.L., and came to St. Edmund's as a student in 1897, at the age of 18. After about five years he left, and began the very promising career that has recently been cut short by the war. He entered the Colonial service, and served for three years under Sir General Strickland, Governor of the Leeward Islands, and afterwards in the East African Protectorate.

Capable and keen in his work, particularly in acquiring an understanding of the natives and their languages, he was rewarded by rapid promotion, and in 1912 was appointed Assistant Resident Commissioner at Cheradzulu near Blantyre. On the outbreak of war, however, he became Transport Officer to the 1st King's African Rifles and was soon promoted Captain.

He saw a considerable amount of fighting against the Germans, and assisted in the destruction of the Weissmanu in the Spink Haven fight last year. When the war began, he was already overdue for leave, but refused it in order to join the Army; and there can be little doubt that his strenuous work, both before and after the outbreak of war, had left him insufficient strength to withstand the attack of fever to which he succumbed at Karonga in British East Africa on April 22nd, at the age of 33 years. He leaves a widow and two children whom we beg to accept this expression of sympathy on the part of his fellow Edmundians.

The Community Mass was offered for the repose of his soul as soon as the news reached us; whilst the prayers and communions of many present students which continue to be offered, and may bring some condolence to those who most keenly feel his all too-early death.

R.I.P