Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War M.M. group of three awarded to Private B. G. L. Butt, 46th (South Saskatchewan) Battalion, Canadian Infantry, which unit, on account of its high casualty rate, became known as “The Suicide Battalion” - himself being wounded on two occasions

Military Medal, G.V.R. (88852 Pte. B. G. L. Butt, 46/Can. Inf.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (88852 Pte. B. G. L. Butt, 46-Can. Inf.), good very fine (3) £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Awards to the Canadian Forces.

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M.M. London Gazette 24 September 1920. The original recommendation states:

‘During the night of 26-27 July 1918, before Oppy, he took part in a trench raid on the enemy lines, and gave valuable and gallant assistance in carrying out the task. His devotion to duty and courage on such occasions is most marked.’

Bertie Granville Livingstone Butt was born at Odcombe, Somerset, England, on 21 February 1881. A Fireman by occupation, he enlisted in the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force in May 1916.

Embarked for England, he first went out to France in the 46th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, in December 1916, and was wounded in the back at Vimy Ridge on 9 April 1917. Rejoining his comrades in the “Suicide Battalion” in the following month, he went on to win the M.M. for the above cited deeds at Oppy in July 1918, but was wounded for a second time on 1 October, this time seriously so - suffering multiple wounds and the loss of his left arm. He was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 31 December 1918 refers).

Butt was discharged back at Regina, Saskatchewan, in July 1919, and died in March 1953; sold with copied service papers.