News: Charlie Butt BEM 9th February 1920 – 2nd May 2014
Charlie Butt BEM 9th February 1920 – 2nd May 2014
A very moving and dignified Service at St Peters Shaftesbury, 16th May 2014 in memory of Charlie Butt BEM well supported by family and friends a Service conducted by The Reverend Clive Thomas, where appropriate reference to Charlie’s life from 1 Corinthians - Chapter 15.
Charlie was born in Bourton, where he joined the Wincanton Brass Band age 8 years, later under his guidance others benefitted from has tuition and did well in Music, to note the Last Post was played by Dennis Bye. Shaftesbury Town Silver Band sat attentively in the congregation in their impressive uniforms. A Band where Charlie became Bandmaster in 1975 and for seventeen more years.
A Military feel to this Service was most evident 8 Standard Bearers “The Devon and Dorsets” “The Rifles” from throughout the County stood 4 aside solemnly and respectfully during the Service.
Testimony to Charlie’s time in the Army some 7 years, a Normandy Veteran, bodyguard to CO 4th Dorsets and Bugler, when he sounded the advance of the crucial Battle Hill 112 where he was later wounded. One of the intriguing duties Charlie told me he held the post of Battalion Chiropodist then a less mechanised Army. Military Serve aside, most of his working life was with the SEB, where he became Foreman Linesman and before formal retirement he joined STC as grounds man, gardener.
Sadly Charlie became a widower twelve years ago where spent his last years at the pleasant Chubbs House, Salisbury Street, Shaftesbury manager Pam Bell. A great-grandfather and gentleman very much a Soldier of a Generation we owe so much he will be missed and well remembered. RIP
William R Sherriff RE
Charlie Butt BEM.
Charlie Butt BEM took part in the Normandy Campaign, but died unexpectantly less than a month before the “D” Day Celebrations at the age of 94.
With Charlie unable to receive the Campaign Commemorative plaque, Commemorative Crown and other items, kindly donated by Bill Sheriff Shaftesbury, they were presented to Charlie’s daughter Shirley Hall.
The presentation was made by Mike Davis-Sellick on behalf of the Devon & Dorset Regimental Association, Gillingham Branch. He said it was an immense privilege, but nonetheless humbling to be asked to make the presentation to someone who took part in this Historic Event.
Charlie played a large part in the Battle for Hill 112 Caen in 1944 and served with Cliff Lloyd who featured on the front page of Blackmore Vale Magazine earlier.
Dear Mr Sheriff
Re: Charlie Butt BEM.
Thanks for your recent letter and the enclosures.
Things moved rather quickly in respect of the presentation to Shirley Hall (Charlie’s Daughter)
The Association left it right to make the presentation before its AGM (25th June) so that this could be acknowledged at that meeting. Therefore the presentation was made on Tuesday evening by Mike Davis-Sellick. Mrs Hall was most appreciative and will treasure the items. She intends to eventually give them to her grandson on her son’s side, and he will keep them with other items of Charlie’s.
It was a most generous gift on your part and T am sure that the Gillingham Branch appreciates your generosity.
I enclose a photograph of the presentation to which I will be sending to Blackmore Vale together with a small article to accompany. will need to get approved by the Branch this evening and will then send you a copy.
Many thanks Yours sincerely
Leo Williams
