Ernest Leslie Butt

Story:
Ernest Leslie Butt was born in Semley, Wiltshire, on 22 Nov 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 served in France and Flanders where he went missing presumed killed in action 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 was awarded the Victory and British War Medals. 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. His mother was awarded a joint dependent's pension for both sons who died.