Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Charles Butler was born in the 3rd quarter of 1885 in Brockham, Surrey to labourer and lime burner Charles and Susannah Butler nee Fuller.
Charles’ father Charles Snr was born in the 3rd quarter of 1863 in Hurst, Berkshire to agricultural labourer James, born about 1829 and Eliza, born about 1831, both in Wokingham, Berkshire. His mother, Susannah Fuller was born about 1862 in Bromley by Bow, Middlesex to lime burner and labourer David, born about 1828 and Sarah born about 1832 both in Dorking. Charles Snr and Susannah married on 3rd May 1884 at St Martin’s church in Dorking, where they lived. At this time, Charles was working as a labourer.
Charles Jnr had six known siblings: David, born about 1887; Annie, born about 1890; James, born about 1891; George, born about 1897 and Sarah, born about 1900, all in Brockham, Surrey and Nellie born about 1906 in Betchworth, Surrey.
At the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived at Brockham Pits, Brockham. Charles Snr was working as a general labourer and Susannah was looking after their children: Charles, David, Annie and James. The household further comprised of a boarder Thomas Marshall.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family were living at Brockham Lime Works. Charles Snr was working as a lime burner and Susannah was at home. The household further comprised of their children: lime burner Charles, garden boy David, Annie, James, George and Sarah.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family had moved back to Brockham Pits. Charles Snr was still working as a lime burner and Susannah was at home. The household further comprised of their children: chalk quarry worker Charles Jnr, gardeners David and James, groom George and scholars Sarah and Nellie. The accommodation had three rooms. Eliza stated that she had given birth to eight children of whom seven were still alive.
Charles married Annie Ada Knight on Boxing Day 1914 in Reigate, Surrey.
Annie was born on 2nd July 1891 in Redhill, Surrey to labourer William, born about 1865 in Lingfield, Surrey and Eliza, born about 1868 in Edenbridge, Kent. Annie was baptised on 20th September 1891 at St John’s church in Redhill. At the time of the baptism the family lived in Redhill. In 1903 was Eliza Knight declared to be a lunatic. At the time of the 1911 Census, the family lived in Betchworth.
Charles and Annie had a son Arthur born in the 4th quarter of 1913 in Reigate.
Charles Butler Jnr enlisted in 1916 in Guildford, Surrey into the Royal West Kent Regiment. He was a Private with regimental number G/15398. At the time of his enlistment Charles lived in Betchworth.
Charles was transferred into the 16th Battalion the Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment) shortly after arrival in France, just before Christmas 1916. His new regimental number was P.W.5915.
A BROCKHAM MAN MISSING
Mrs. C. Butler, 1 New Cottages, Brockham Pits, has been officially informed that her husband, Pte. Charles Butler, “A” Company, 16th Middlesex Regt has been missing since May 31st. Pte. Butler enlisted about 12 months ago in the West Kents, and was transferred to the Middlesex shortly after arrival in France, just before Christmas last. Mrs Butler would be greatly obliged if any comrade able to give information respecting her husband would communicate with her, at the above address. Pte. Butler, to whom she was married on Boxing Day 1914, has two brothers also in the Army, viz Pte. George Butler, Surrey Yeomanry, and Pte. David Butler, Life Guards.
Charles Butler Missing Notice © Surrey Mirror findmypast.co.uk
Charles Butler was killed in an action on or since 31st May 1917 in France. His body was never found.
He is commemorated on Bay 7 of the Arras Memorial in France
He received the British War and Victory medals.
Charles’ wife Annie received £4 and 4d on 22nd May 1918 and a further £3 and 10s on 20th November 1919 in Soldier’s Effects.
In 1917 Annie Ada Butler lived at 1 New Cottages, Brockham Pits.
| Born | Brockham, Surrey | |
| Lived | Betchworth, Surrey | |
| Son of | Charles and Susannah (nee Fuller) Butler | |
| Husband of | Annie Knight of Reigate | |
| Father of | Arthur | |
| Regiment | 16th Battalion. Middlesex Regiment | |
| Number | PW / 5915 | |
| Date of Death | 31st May 1917 | |
| Place of Death | France | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in action | |
| Age | 30 | |
| Memorial | Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France |
