Ernest Leslie Butt

Story:
Ernest Leslie Butt was born in Semley, Wiltshire, in 1889. He was the son of James Butt, a Farm Labourer, and Elizabeth Ann Butt (née Kelly). His siblings included Wilfrid James Butt, born in 1896, who also died in the war as well as Edwin Albert Butt who served and survived. At the time of the 1911 Census he was single, working as a Farm Labourer and living at Barkers Hill, Semley, Wiltshire. He enlisted on 29th July, 1916, as a Private in the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Marine Light Infantry (Service No. CH/1612(S)). He went missing presumed killed whilst with the 'C' Company, 10th Platoon of the 2nd RMLI on 28th April 1917 and his name appears on the Arras Memorial in France (Bay 1). He is remembered on the Semley War Memorial in St. Leonard's churchyard, and on the Roll of Honour inside the church. His name was included on the Baptist Chapel plaque, now also in the church.