1st Battalion, Scots Guards.

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the London Gazette of 5 December 1918.

Bland was a native of West Stonedale, Yorkshire. Lived at Burnley, Lancashire.

The citation for the D.C.M. published in the London Gazette reads, "For conspicuous gallantry. When in command of his platoon, on entering a village they were met by heavy machine gun fire; by skillful leading and dash he surrounded two machine guns, killing or capturing the entire teams, and thereby saving his company many casualties. He then led his men onto the final objective, and consolidated the position gained".

Enlisted at Colne, Lancashire on the 15 July 1915 aged 25 years 133 days. To France onboard the La Marguarite on the 26 August 1916. Served in France and Belgium until returning to the UK on the 19 February 1919. His address at the time of his discharge was shown as 138, Branch Road, Burnley. He was a flour miller by trade.