Lieutenant, 70th Squadron Royal Flying Corps.
Killed 25th March 1917, age 30.
Buried in Lebucquiere Communal Cemetery Extension.
Former student of electrical engineering.
Harry was born on 28th September 1886, the younger son of Thomas & Emma Butler, Salford New Brewery, Blackburn. He was educated at Manchester Grammar School (1900-1903) after which he was employed by Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co., Preston. He enrolled in 1905-06 as a day student for the 3rd year electrical engineering course.
In August 1914 Harry enlisted in the King’s Liverpool Regiment, obtained a commission to the Yorkshire Regiment in September 1915 and in June 1916 transferred to the Royal Flying Corps where he was a reconnaissance pilot. His R.F.C. Casualty Card shows reports that he was wounded on 27th January 1917 and in late March 1917 he and another occupant of a Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter were reported missing.
Harry left effects worth £256 13s 3d to Walter Butler, a cotton manufacturer. His mother had the words “He was the light of our home” inscribed on his gravestone and a family gravestone commemorates him as “A patriot whose body lies in France”.