No.10076, Private, Edgar BUTCHER
Aged 21
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Born in 1894 (1st qtr Bury St.Ednunds 4a:790 son of Frederick and Mry Ann BUTCHER (née TAYLOR)
1901 census...Aged 7, he was at 43 Raingate Street, Bury St.Edmunds with his father Frederick [39] brewers labourer; his mother Mary Ann [30]; brother Frederick [1]; sisters Maud [5] and Alice [3]. All were born in Bury St.Edmunds. 1911 census...Aged 17, a bricklayer's labourer, he was still at 43 Raingate Street with his parents; sister Maud and Alice; brothers Frederick and Willie [5]. The census says Mary Ann had 11 children but had lost 6. These were Edgar Willie 1889-89, Lily Samantha 1890-91, Ernest William 1892-93, Fred 1900-00 and Ellen Louisa 1902-02, which leave one unaccounted for |
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He enlisted in Bury St.Edmunds. The pension card has him in the Essex Regiment ?. Being in France that quickly he seems to have been, if not a Regular, a Reservist.
War Diary:- 31 Oct 1914 - near Inverness Copse Early in the morning about 2.30 A.M. orders were received to occupy a small fir wood about 250 yards in front of our line which was then held by L.North Lancs.R. Captain Lemon and 2 platoons of C Company were ordered to hold this position. This wood had been subjected to heavy shell fire from two sides during the previous day. Shell fire started as soon as it was light. It soon became evident that the enemy were advancing in force on the left of the wood held by Captain Lemon and also on the right. The Adjutant went to report the situation to Brigade H.Q. and& almost immediately on his return to Battalion H.Q. 2 orderlies arrived with an order from the Brigadier to retire fighting towards MENIN-YPRES Road. Part of the Battalion moved back in compliance of this order. An order was sent to Captain Lemonto retire from the fir wood upon the Battalion. Part of the Battalion remained in the trenches till late in the afternoon about 4.30 p.m. when they were brought back and established a line which they held till relieved on Nov.5/6. The losses were very severe on this day. The C.O. Major J.M.Traill and 2nd in Command Major R.P.Stares remained in the trenches and were shot at short range. Lieut.Paterson was killed in the fir wood. Lieut.Gott was wounded in the Fir wood. Captain A.B.Lemon was twice wounded in the fir wood and captured. Captain C.S.Garnet Botfield was severely wounded. 2/Lieut.W.Dixon was wounded. Captain E.H.Lyddon missing [Comment; later assumed KIA]. Lieut.Anderson missing. The Battalion strength on night October 31st-1st November was 4 officers, 350-400 other ranks. 4 officers were Captain and Adjutant C.C.Foss(VC, DSO], 2/Lieut.B.H.Waddy [MC], Lieut.S.D.Mills[MC], Transport Officer, Captain and Quarter Master H.Cressingham. [Comment; also killed was Lieutenant Donald Godrid Campbell THOMSON] A short line was taken up and entrenched. Of the 38 recorded as dying on 31st by CWC 36 have no named grave and as commemorated on the Menin Gate.
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