William Boynton Butler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Boynton Butler
VC
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| Born | 20 November 1894 Armley, Leeds |
| Died | 25 March 1972 (aged 77) Leeds |
| Buried |
Hunslet Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | The West Yorkshire Regiment Home Guard |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards |  Victoria CrossCroix de Guerre (France) |
William Boynton Butler was a very brave English soldier. He was born in Armley, Leeds, on November 20, 1894. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross. This is the highest award for bravery in the British military. He earned it during World War I.
A True Hero: William Boynton Butler
William Boynton Butler was a soldier in the British Army. He served as a Private in the 17th Battalion of The West Yorkshire Regiment. He was 22 years old during World War I. His amazing act of bravery happened on August 6, 1917. This was near Lempire, France.
An Incredible Act of Bravery
Private Butler was in charge of a special weapon called a Stokes gun. His trench was being heavily shelled by the enemy. Suddenly, a part of a Stokes shell broke off. This caused the shell to fire inside their own trench!
Private Butler quickly grabbed the live shell. He jumped to the entrance of their trench. At that exact moment, a group of soldiers was walking past. He shouted for them to hurry and get out of the way. He then turned around, putting himself between the soldiers and the dangerous shell. He held it there until they were safe.
After the soldiers were clear, he threw the shell onto the "parados." This is a bank of earth behind a trench. He then quickly took cover at the bottom of the trench. The shell exploded almost as soon as it left his hand. The explosion caused a lot of damage to the trench. Luckily, Private Butler was only bruised. His quick thinking and courage saved many lives that day. He saved the officer and men in the trench. He also saved the group of soldiers who were passing by.
What Was a Stokes Gun?
The Stokes gun was a type of trench mortar. It was invented by Sir Wilfred Stokes. It was a 3-inch weapon used to fire shells over short distances. Soldiers used it a lot during World War I.
