1st Air Mechanic Percy Butler
| Date of Birth | 7 March 1884 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 33 |
| Date of Death | 9 February 1918 |
| Service Number | 7840 |
| Military Service | 6th Reserve Squadron Royal Flying Corps |
| Merton Address | |
| Local Memorial | Morden Cemetery |
Additional Information
Percy Butler was born on 7th March 1884 to parents William, a Boot and Shoemaker and Sophia Jane (nee Tompsett), who had married in 1879. Percy’s birth was registered in Tonbridge Kent, with the family residing in Brenchley, Kent.
By 1891 Percy aged 5 was living with parents at Matfield Road in Brenchley with his brothers William aged 10 and Oliver aged 3. Another child called Kate was born in 1893.
In the Census of 1901, the family home was listed as Chapel Place Brenchley. Only two children Oliver and Kate were living with their parents. Percy 16, was listed as an inmate at Earlswood (Idiot) Asylum whilst his brother William aged 21 was listed as an inmate at the Tonbridge workhouse. His brother William died in September 1901.
By 1911 Percy aged 26 was now back living with his parents' and working as a jobbing General possibly a labourer whilst his brother Oliver was working as a Carman on a farm. The family were living at Chapel Row in Matfield Kent. Percy’s father William was now aged 70 and listed as unable to work due to old age, whilst his mother Sophia aged 52 was doing housework. Percy’s parents had been married for 30 years and sadly stated that of 15 children born to them 12 had died.
Percy’s younger sister Kate was attending The Elizabeth Barclay Home for girls employed in home training in Bodmin in Cornwall. She was referred to as an Inmate.
Percy joined the Royal Flying Corps 6th reserve Squadron as an Air Mechanic on 24th August 1915 at Farnborough in Kent. (He stated on his enlistment form that he had previously served with the British Army for 15 months and a further 9 months with the General Staff Intelligence). No record of this previous service could be confirmed at the time of his enlistment.
On his Short service attestation form he listed his age as 31 and 170 days, with a height of 5 5 ½, chest measurement 38 inches, with brown eyes, hair dark brown and a fair complexion. He listed his occupation as a Chauffeur and his next of kin as being Miss Elsie Clarence Russell of 36 Jersey Road, Wolverton. (She was most likely a cousin of his)
Percy was discharged on 27th October 1916 as no longer physically fit for war service. He was discharged at Farnborough due to Tuberculosis of the lungs. His total war service was listed as 1 year and 65 days. His address on discharge was given as 36 Jersey Road, Wolverton.
Percy died on 9th February 1918 aged 33 and his death was registered in Epsom. He was buried in Morden Cemetery on 16th February and his name also appears on a stone memorial cross in the churchyard.