Brian Dear BUTLER

This memorial is part of the base that surrounds the Commando Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire

Major 85295, Brian Dear Butler. M.C. East Surrey Regiment attached to No3 Commando killed in action at Normandy 11th June 1944 aged 33. Son of Joseph and Ellen Sarah Butler, nee Dear. Husband of Hannah Wilson, nee Briggs of Wimbledon, Surrey. M.A.
Awarded Military Cross London Gazette dated 27 January 1944.
Commemorated on a memorial paver at the Army Commandos Memorial
At rest in Ranville War Cemetery, France Holder of the Military Cross

The following extract (Military Cross) has been downloaded from
The National Archives' reference WO 373/4/252.
Action for which commended.
Brian Dear Butler. T/Captain 8529 Unit No 3 Commando (East Surrey Regiment)
"On 4 October 43 Captain Butler was commanding a troop which was manning the Unit's F.D. Ls. For seven hours the positions were mortared and machine gunned. During the whole period he shewed outstanding courage, constantly exposing himself in order to visit his various posts. He crawled down the exposed forward slope in front of his troop in order to observe the movement of enemy tanks to our left front, give correction to our artillery. Thus by disregard for his personal safety he enabled our guns to bring effective fire to bear. Later when his most advanced L.M.G. had to move to an alternative position, this Officer himself went to the assistance of the No 1 who could not alone carry all the magazines as well as the gun.
The magnificent steadiness displayed by his Troop throughout a period of 36 hours during which the positions were manned, was due entirely to his wonderful example."

Signed by B.L. Montgomery. Gen Eight Army.
Granted an Immediate M.C.

Wills and Admin, Ancestry
Brian Dean Butler of Kettlesbridge Coneyhurst near Billingshurst Sussex. Died on date stated. Effects went to his widow.
Wills and Admin have his name as stated

London Gazette dated 21 February 1939
GENERAL LIST. OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS.
Brian Dear BUTLER (late Cadet Lce.-Corpl., King's Coll. Sch. Contgt., Jun. Div.) to be 2nd Lt. for serv. with Wilson's Sch. Contgt., Jun. Div. 1st Feb. 1939.

London Gazette dated 27 January 1944
Lieutenant (temporary Captain) Brian Dear Butler (85295), The East Surrey Regiment (attd. Special Service Troops) (Billingshurst, Susse