Ernest William Holmes Butler


Apr 5, 1894

Born in Brigus, Newfoundland to William and Lavinia (nee Holmes) Butler

 

Jan 29, 1918

Medical exam for the MSA (Military Service Act) of 1917 held at Vancouver, British Columbia

 

Feb 25, 1918

Conscripted into the 1st Depot Battalion, BCR (British Columbia Regiment) under the MSA in Vancouver, British Columbia

Ø  Number 2021841

Ø  Next of kin given as Donald John Butler, brother, 1150 Venables St., Vancouver, British Columbia

Ø  Previous occupation given as Miner

Ø  No previous military experience given

Ø  Religion given as Methodist

Ø  Posted to the regiment’s 11th Draft

On being sworn in, he gave his birth date as April 15, 1895, not his actual birth date of April 5, 1894

 

May 15, 1918

The 11th Regimental Draft embarked the SS Ajana in Halifax, Nova Scotia

 

 

May 27, 1918

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and proceeded to Seaford where the draft was absorbed into the 1st Reserve Battalion and placed in isolation to ensure none were infected with influenza

 

Jun 11, 1918

Released from isolation and continued training in Seaford

 

Sep 13, 1918

Transferred to the 29th Battalion

 

Sep 14, 1918

Arrived at the CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples, France and Taken On Strength of the 29th Battalion

 

Sep 16, 1918

After leaving the base depot, he joined the CCRC (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) in Aubin St. Vaast, France

 

Sep 19, 1918

While still at the reinforcement camp, and without having joined the 29th Battalion, he was transferred to the 21st Battalion

 

Sep 20, 1918

After leaving the reinforcement camp, Private Butler joined the 21st Battalion at the front, just west of Canal du Nord on the Arras – Cambrai Road and was posted to “B” Company

 

Dec 13, 1918

The 21st Battalion led the 2nd Division across the Bonn Bridge to enter Germany as part of the Occupying Force and proceeded to Seigburg

 

 

Apr 3, 1919

Embarked the SS Western Australia in Havre, France

 

On arrival in England, he was attached to “P” Wing in Witley pending return to Canada

 

May 14, 1919

Embarked the SS Caronia in Liverpool

 

 

May 22, 1919

Disembarked in Halifax, Nova Scotia and proceeded to Kingston, Ontario by train

 

May 24, 1919

Discharged from the CEF in Kingston, Ontario

Ø  Rank on discharge Private

Ø  War Service Badge Class “A” issued number 279779

Ø  Proposed residence on discharge 1150 Venables St., Vancouver, British Columbia

Following his discharge, the British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to him at 1150 Venables St., Vancouver, British Columbia

 

Jun 5, 1920

Married to Elizabeth “Ethel” Miller in Vancouver, British Columbia

In 1947 he operated Butler’s General Store on Sea Island, British Columbia.  In 1961 he was operating the Seafair Variety Store on Lulu Island.  He retired in 1972

 

Aug 16, 1985

Ernest William Butler died while a patient of the Richmond, British Columbia General Hospital of Acute Bronchial Pneumonia.  He was later cremated

 

 


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