Butler, Joseph - Private

(No soldier photo available)

5th Bn. 
South Staffordshire Regiment
Died 28th July 1944
Age 19


The 5th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment landed in Normandy some three weeks after the D-Day landings of 6 June. They were part of the 59th Division. The task of the Division was to capture the fortified town of Caen and the surrounding villages. The task given to the 5th Battalion was the capture of the village of Noyers. This was deep in the 'bocage' area of small fields, high hedges and sunken lanes - easy to defend and difficult to attack. Minefields and German mortar and machine gun fire added to the difficulties. On 17 July the Battalion attacked Noyers but, although the attack was pressed with great vigour and courage, the Germans would not yield. The village was attacked again and again until the Germans withdrew at the end of July. The capture of Noyers and other villages in the area cost the Division over 1,250 casualties. Pte. Joseph Butler was one of these.

Joseph was the son of Mr. and Mrs. S.H. Butler. he was aged 19.


Joseph lies in Fonteney-le-Pesnel War Cemetery, France. The cemetery contains the graves of men who died in the fighting in the area in June and July 1944. There are 460 Commonwealth graves as well as 65 German. Joseph is buried in Plot 3, Row B, Grave 14.