3/6979 Cpl Jack Buttle, 1st Bn, Dorsetshire Regt

3/6979 Corporal Jack Buttle of the 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, was killed in action on the 4th May 1915. He was born in Leyton (now east London, then Essex) and was living there when he enlisted. He joined up at nearby Stratford.

Jack was 18 years and five months old when he enlisted with the 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment on the 23rd October 1913. His attestation papers state that he was working as a casual labourer. He joined the regiment at Dorchester on the 2nd November 1913 and then underwent four months' training which ended on the 27th February 1914.

Jack presumably then returned to Leyton but was mobilized on the 8th August 1914. He was appointed unpaid lance-corporal four days later, and paid corporal exactly on month later. On the 23rd October 1914 he was posted to the 1st Battalion but still retained his 3rd Battalion number. He served overseas in France and Belgium from October 1914 until the time of his death which was due to the effects of poison gas. In his history of the battalion, Major C H Dudley-Ward DSO MC, writes that on the 1st May 1915, the enemy attacked the Dorsetshire positions on Hill 60 with poison gas and that C Company, on the crest of the hill, was particularly affected. Over 200 casualties were recorded. The battalion was relieved the following day and moved back into local reserve at Larch Wood.

Jack's service record notes that he had previously been admitted to the 15th Field Ambulance at Bailleul on the 15th February 1915, suffering from the effects of cold. He rejoined his battalion the same day.

The Commonwealth War Graves records that "John" Buttle was the son of William and Thirza Buttle of 4 Stanley Road, Leyton, London, and that he is buried in Perth Cemetery (China Wall).

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

Sources:

Ancestry (MIC, WO 363)
Soldiers Died in The Great War
Army Service Numbers
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission