Six: Major A. W. Butcher, Royal Sussex Regiment

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (6398273. Pte. A. Butcher. R. Suss. R.) surname officially corrected; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, mounted as worn, some staining to campaign stars, light contact marks, very fine (6) £100-£140

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to recipients of the Burma Star.

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Arthur William Butcher attested for the Royal Sussex Regiment and served with the 1st Battalion in pre-War Palestine. The battalion was in Egypt in 1939 and participated in the Western Desert campaign, accounting for the Africa Star in this group.

Butcher was appointed to an Emergency Commission, from the rank of Company Sergeant Major, on 5 December 1942, and was advanced War Substantive Lieutenant the same day. He served with the 9th Battalion in Burma, and was Mentioned in Despatches ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma’ (London Gazette 19 September 1946).

Following the cessation of hostilities Butcher took a Regular Short Service Commission, and was promoted to Captain on 5 December 1948, and Major on 5 December 1955. He was subsequently attached to the Armament and Electrical Trades School in 1948 and then served with the 1st Battalion, Nigeria Regiment, W.A.F.F. He transferred to the Regular Army Reserve of Officers (Royal Sussex Regiment) on 1 October 1956, and relinquished his commission on 1 July 1959.