Wilfrid James Butt

Story:
Wilfrid (as spelt on GRO Records and later census Records) James Butt was born in Semley, Wiltshrie, in 1896, and baptised there on 19th July, 1896. He was the son of James Butt, a Farm Labourer, and Elizabeth Ann Butt (née Kelly). His siblings included Ernest Leslie, born in 1889, who also died in the war and 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 in Warminster as a Private and joined the 6th Battalion of the Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire) Regiment (Service No. 22690). (Army records show his name as Wilfred) He served in France & Flanders and was awarded the Victory and British War medals. He died on 29th November 1916 and was buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Etaples, Pas De Calais, France (grave id. XX.D.4A). 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.