In Memory of
JAMES MILFORD BUTLER
Private, A/50103
Royal Canadian Regiment, 1st Bn.
who died 28 age
10th July 1943
Remembered with honour
AGIRA WAR CEMETERY, SICILY
AGIRA WAR CEMETERY, SICILY
Born: 3 Ago 1914, Moose Jaw Census Division, Saskatchewan, Canada
Son of Frank and Mabel Butler, of Chatham, Ontario.
Killed at Pachino airfield during bayonet attack.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission, 2009-08-04
Private James Milford Butler, Royal Canadian Regiment. Born on 3 August 1914 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and killed in action on 10 July 1943.
James was one of the first Canadians to be killed on the opening day of Operation Husky. The following took place when he got killed:
"At 13.00 hours A-Coy pushed towards the coastal defense battery and encountered quite intense machine gun (MG) and rifle fire. During this attack the company suffered its first five casualties, but despite the superiority of the enemy positions and numbers was able to capture the battery. 130 prisoners were taken and fine work was done by Privates Grigas, Gardiner, Godz, Butler and Allison who forced their way over the enemy wire. They put two enemy MG positions out of action and by their aggressiveness struck terror into the hearts of the Italian defenders."
Private Grigas was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Private Gardner the Military Medal.
James was buried together with Private Hefford near the SP6 just outside Pachino. He was later reburied at Agira Canadian War Cemetery.
James lived in Chatham (ON) and was going to marry Lena Letourneau. His parents, four brothers and one younger sister also lived in Chatham. Three of his brothers were also on active service. His brother Lawrence Orval was also in the RCR and taken prisoner of war, his brother Charles Ivan was wouded in action (he enlisted with the Kent Regiment) and Frederick Milton was in the Army training centre. Their older brother also served, but was discharged due to medical reasons.
James enlisted on the 13th of August 1940 and was first placed with the Kent Regiment. When he went overseas he was transferred to the RCR. Jimbo Jimmy, 2024-09-28
Private James Milford Butler, Royal Canadian Regiment. Born on 3 August 1914 in Moose Jaw (SK) and KIA 10 July 1943.James served in the 1st Battalion, A-Company of the RCR. On the morning of 10 July, 1943 the RCR under the command of Captain 'Slim' Liddell, his unit was attacking the town of Maucini, Sicily. "While attacking a well-camouflaged house" as part of A-Coy. the following action was described:
"Five privates managed their way over the wire and closed on two concrete machine gun emplacements protecting the house. 37 year old Pte. James Milford Butler of Chatham, ON. was killed in the attack. The position was outflanked by Pte's. Joe Grigas and Jack Gardner and the machinegun crew was killed; Pte. Grigas was awarded the DCM and Pte. Gardner the MM for this action. (Source: Operation Husky" by Mark Zuehlke – page 134)
James lived in Chatham (ON) and was going to marry Lena Letourneau. His parents, four brothers and one younger sister also lived in Chatham. Three of his brothers were also in active service. His brother Lawrence Orval was also in the RCR and taken prisoner of war (POW), his brother Charles Ivan was wouded in action (he enlisted with the Kent Regiment) and Frederick Milton was in the Army training centre. Their older brother also served, but was discharged due to medical reasons.
(source: gatheringourheroes.ca)
James enlisted on the 13th of August 1940 and was first placed with the Kent Regiment. When he went overseas he was transferred to the RCR.
Find Grave, 2024-10-11
Information courtesy of the 