No.7713, Lance Corporal, Henry George BUTLER
Aged 28
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Henry George Butler was born in Swaffham Bulbeck (Newmarket Q1-1888 3B:527) son of Charles Jeffery and Sarah BUTLER (née ALDERTON).
1891 census...Aged 3, he was at Main Street, Swaffham Bulbeck with his father Charles BUTLER [50] labourer; his mother Sarah [49] born Cambridge; brothers Frederick W [27] farm labourer, William [22] labourer, Joseph [17] farm labourer, Charles [11] and Walter [9]. All except his mother were born in Swaffham Bulbeck. 1901 census...Aged 13, he was at the "White Swan", Commercial End, Swaffham Bulbeck with his father (publican/labourer), his mother and brother Frederick (labourer) 1911 census...His medal card shows he was a regular solider, so presumably was with the Army for this census. His parents (father now a farmer/publican) were still at the White Swan, Swaffham Bulbeck, with his brothers Frederick and William, both on the farm. |
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He enlisted in Cambridge. His number indicates joining in 1904.
He died at No. 13 Stationary Hospital, Boulogne. With no Army record available it is not possible to identify where and when he was wounded. The battalion had suffered badly in a gas attack on the 17th at Dranouter, in Belgium. The Cambridge Independent Press of 7th July 1916 reported:- Swaffham Bulbeck Man Dead The sad tidings have reached Swaffham Bulbeck of the death of Lance-Corpl.Henry George Butler, of the North Staffords, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Butler of this village. He joined the Army in October 1914 and re-joined his old Regiment on the memorable August Bank Holiday of 1914 (sic).On two occasions he has been home on leave. About seven weeks ago he was severely wounded in the head, and was taken to a base hospital at Boulogne. After a critical operation, some hopes were entertained of his recovery. His brother, Charles Butler, visited him in hospital, and although speechless, the wounded man recognised his brother and made signs for him to take a flashlight which he had carried on the battlefield and which had been pierced by a bullet. It is gratifying to the bereaved parents and others to hear how splendidly the work of the hospital is carried out, and how devotedly the doctors and nurses work for the alleviation of the suffering and the wounded. Lance-Corpl Butler passed away on the 25th June and was buried in the cemetery near the hospital, where many of our brave soldiers have been laid to rest, having so nobly given their lives for their Country. Lance-Corpl Butler was a first class signaller. He was a great favourite in his regiment, where he will be greatly missed. Mr.and Mrs.Butler wish to thank all kind friends for their expressions of sympathy in their great sorrow.
photo: Rodney Gibson photo:Rodney Gibson click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
