Dates:
War Service:
Private ROBERT JAMES BUTTLE of the 2nd Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment died on 1 July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The battalion attacked at Ovilers.
According to the battalion war diary The enemy replied to our intensive bombardment by barraging the front line from about 6.35am onwards. At 7.30am the three assaulting Companies advanced to attack the German line. They were met by intense rifle and machine gun fire which prevented any of the waves reaching the enemy lines.
At about 7.45am the Commanding Officer and Second in Command were wounded. By this time the parapet was swept by rifle and machine gun fire which prevented any exit from our trenches.
The battalion’s losses amounted to 4 officers and 37 other ranks killed, 8 officers and 260 other ranks wounded and 9 officers and 118 other ranks missing.
He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme.
Location of Memorial:
He is remembered on the war memorial at St Mildred’s church, Lee.
Details:
Source:
Contributed By: Andy Pepper
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