Henry Charles (Harry) Butt

Story:
Harry Charles Butt was born in 1892 in Motcombe, Shaftesbury, Dorset, and baptised there on 18 Dec 1892. He was known as 'Harry' for all purposes. He was the son of Henry Butt, a gardener, and Emma Jane Butt (née Lydford). His siblings included Frederick Arthur, born in 1894 and Reggie, born in 1899, who both died in the war, whilst Albert Edward (b.1896) served and survived. His father died in 1901. At the time of the 1911 Census Harry was boarding with a family at The Brickyard, Maperton, Wincanton, Somerset, where he was employed as a farm labourer. The rest of the family lived at 82 St James Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset. He enlisted in Shaftesbury as a Private in the 5th Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment (Service No. 14923). He served firstly in the Balkans from 31 Oct 1915 and later in France and Flanders and was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1915 Star. He was killed in action in the Arras region of France on 26th September 1916 and was buried at Serre Road Cemetery No. 1, Serre, Pas de Calais, France (grave id. VIII.E.16).  His mother was in receipt of a dependent's pension in respect of all three son's who were killed as well as being in receipt of Harry's financial effects.     He is remembered on the Shaftesbury Memorials in Park Walk and St. James’ Church. He also appears on the Roll of Honour in St. James’ Church and on the Holy Trinity Memorial, now in St. Peter's Church, Shaftesbury.