Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

522,  2090, Gunner Richard Butler (AKA Thomas Arnold Butler) MM

3rd Light Horse Regiment / 49th Battery, 13th Australian Field Artillery Brigade(FAB)

Written by Brendan McEvoy

 Thomas Arnold Butler enlisted in the 3rd Light Horse at Morphettville South Australia in October 1914 undergoing preliminary training at Morphettville and Mitcham. He embarked and trained in Egypt, and then was discharged from service in Maandi, Egypt in January 1915 being unsuitable for active service. There are no statements indicating active service for that period in the record, but it appears he was a naughty boy and had a holiday for a little while (AWOL 2 days), while the regiment got themselves into order. He was sent back to Melbourne and disembarked in Melbourne from the Kyarra on 11th March 1915 and promptly travelled to Adelaide and re-enlisted under another name. He re-enlisted at Adelaide as Richard Butler in November 1915 initially allocated to the 9th Light Horse Regiment and undergoing some training at Mitcham. The Reinforcements for the Regiment then embarked and proceeded overseas to Egypt and Richard was transferred to the 13th Field Artillery Brigade (FAB), training provided and then proceeding to France. On the 4th November 1917 Richard was wounded in the left hand and off the front for a period returning to England for treatment, then re-joining his regiment on 30th April 1918 returning to the front. 

He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field on the 14th October 1918 near Bellicourt.

Citation

This Gunner formed part of a section from the 49th Battery which came into action southeast of BELLICOURT on the 29th September 1918. This section, on occupying the position came under close range from a machine gun and 77mm gunfire causing casualties. Gunner Butler by his coolness and utter disregard for personal safety was of great assistance in getting the guns into action. On the section being ordered to move he was again conspicuous in his cheerful manner and example. He assisted
to rapidly limber up and clear the vehicles and horses from the position and right a limber that had become upset. After the vehicles were clear of this, Gunner Butler returned and with the assistance of another man carried one of the detachment who had been wounded, to a place of safety. This was also done under exceptionally heavy fire. Throughout the whole of the action he set a splendid example of courage and devotion to duty.

J. Talbot Hobbs Major General, Commanding 5th Australian Division

Richard Butler returned to Australia 16th July 1919 and was discharged 9th September 1919. He then resided in Pt Pirie where he received his Military Medal and was granted the Keys to the City.

Family

My Grandfather’s brother. Thomas Arnold Butler (Richard Butler) returned to Pt Pirie and was presented his Military Medal. It was not until 1920 that the army unravelled and joined the 2 service records.

The Mayor (Dr. M.E. Goode) said Port Pirie had reason to be proud of one of its boys. It was a decided acquisition that the town should be able to number among its citizens one who had gained such distinction on the battle field. Lieut. J.B. Spells added words of congratulation. He commended Gunner Butler’s bravery and high sense of duty to the consideration of the Senior Cadets, expressing the hope that his example might inspire them with feelings of emulation, and be the means of ??? them with the traditional characteristics of the Australian soldier – obedience to the commands of their officers, respect for authority, and a fixed determination to do their duty. He added his congratulations to Gunner Butler.