No. 17514, Private, Henry BUTCHER
Aged 26
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Henry Butcher was born in 1891 (Mildenhall Q2-1891 4A:813), son of Jacob and Emma Elizabeth BUTCHER (née PHILLIPS).
1891 census...Aged 1 month, he was at Kenny Hill Road, Mildenhall with his father Jacob BUTCHER [36] farm labourer; his mother Emma Elizabeth [38] ; brothers John [14] and James [8]; sisters Emma E [15], Mary J [12], Martha [4]and Sarah [2]. All were born in Mildenhall. 1901 census...Aged 10, he was at Kenny Hill with his parents; brothers John H (farm labourer) and James W (yardman on farm);sisters Martha, Sarah and Rosetta [8] born Mildenhall. 1911 census...Aged 20, he was at Grosvenor House, Burnt Fen, with his parents (father now foreman on farm) and sister Martha. |
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Henry enlisted in Cambridge. From Lt Col Murphy's "History of the Suffolk Regiment we learn the 11th Suffolks were engaged in the Peronne sector from July to September 1917. No major operations, but it still cost them some 230 casualties. Seven of these were killed on the 13th September, all buried together at Jeancourt. The Bury Free Press of 13th October 1917 reported:- BURNT FEN YOUNG SOLDIER'S DEATH We regretfully record the sorrowful news that Mr. and Mrs Jacob Butcher,of Grosvenor House, Burnt Fen, Mildenhall, have received the official intimation that their youngest son, Prvt Henry Butcher of the 11th Suffolk Regiment, was killed in action on September 13th in France. He was much respected.He volunteered his services in December 1914, and proceeded to France on January 6th 1916. He was wounded on June 21st 1916 and was in Scotland three months, followed by ten days sick leave in August,then in a fortnight he had four other days leave. In the early part of October last year he returned to France. He had been wounded twice, the second being only slight, on April 26th this year. He was always bright and cheerful,and hopeful of returning home again. Until the time he enlisted he attended the Burnt Fen Wesleyan Sunday School and church, and was a total abstainer and non-smoker. He was 26 years of age.The parents and family and also his fiancée, have been the recipients of much sympathy in their bereavement.
photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission and was originally on Mildenhall war memorial click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
