John Radcliffe BUTTERWORTH MM

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BUTTERWORTH, John Radcliffe

Service Numbers:	1040, S76905
Enlisted:	2 October 1914, Place of enlistment - Morphettville, South Australia
Last Rank:	Lance Sergeant
Last Unit:	10th (SA) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC)
Born:	Balaklava, South Australia, 18 June 1892
Home Town:	Gilberton, Walkerville, South Australia
Schooling:	St Peters College, Hackney
Occupation:	Stock Agent
Died:	Adelaide, 31 August 1954, aged 62 years, cause of death not yet discovered
Cemetery:	West Terrace Cemetery (General)
Memorials:	Hackney St Peter's College Honour Board, North Adelaide Christ Church Honour Board, Walkerville St. Andrew's Anglican Church Honour Roll

World War 1 Service

2 Oct 1914:	Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 1040, Place of enlistment - Morphettville, South Australia
22 Dec 1914:	Embarked AIF WW1, Corporal, 1040, 4th Field Ambulance, Embarked on HMAT 'A35' Berrima from Melbourne on 22nd December 1914, disembarking Egypt.
1 Feb 1915:	Promoted AIF WW1, Lance Sergeant, 4th Field Ambulance
12 Apr 1915:	Involvement AIF WW1, Corporal, 1040, 4th Field Ambulance, ANZAC / Gallipoli, Proceeded to join Mediterranean Expeditionary Force at Gallipoli.
1 Jun 1916:	Embarked AIF WW1, Lance Sergeant, 1040, 4th Field Ambulance, Embarked from Alexandria, Egypt on 1st June 1916, disembarking Marseilles, France to join British Expeditionary Force.
12 Dec 1917:	Honoured Military Medal, Polygon Wood, Corporal (Lance Sergeant) John Radcliffe BUTTERWORTH 'During the operations to the east of YPRES on 28th/29th September, 1917, this N.C.O. was in charge of supplies to all the advanced posts. He worked day and night during this period, himself visiting the posts to see that there were no shortages. On one occasion when the track from BIRR CROSS Roads to BELLEWARDE RIDGE was being heavily shelled, he went up with supplies which had been urgently called for, entirely disregarding the great risk he ran in doing so. His devotion to duty throughout was beyond praise.'
24 Mar 1918:	Promoted AIF WW1, Lance Sergeant, 4th Field Ambulance, On 24th March 1918 was promoted to Temporary Sergeant and then on 15th April 1918 was promoted again to Quarter Master Sergeant. Reverted back to rank of Lance Sergeant on the 4th July 1918.
13 Oct 1918:	Embarked AIF WW1, Lance Sergeant, 1040, 4th Field Ambulance, Embarked for return to Australia on Port Lyttleton from England on 13th October 1918, disembarking Adelaide on 25th December 1918.
23 Feb 1919:	Discharged AIF WW1, Lance Sergeant, 1040, 4th Field Ambulance

World War 2 Service

30 Apr 1942:	Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Lance Sergeant, S76905
30 Apr 1942:	Enlisted Lance Sergeant, S76905, Volunteer Defence Corps (SA), Balaklava, South Australia
1 May 1942:	Involvement Lance Sergeant, S76905, 10th (SA) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC), Homeland Defence - Militia and non deployed forces
12 Oct 1945:	Discharged Lance Sergeant, S76905, 10th (SA) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC)

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Biography contributed by Thomas More College

John Radcliffe Butterworth was born on June 18th, 1892, in Balaklava, South Australia. raised in Gilberton, Walkerville. He attended St Peter’s College in Hackney, John had a love for sports, especially cricket. Becoming a skilled cricket player, he played for the Diggers’ club and Mount Gambier. He was also known for his exceptional bowling. His best seasons were in 1921-1923 where he became a key player in various intertown matches. John was a social man, participating in community events and building lasting friendships throughout his life. He was married on May 6th, at Chalmer’s Church to May Estelle Walter. The ceremony was followed by a supper at “The Piccadilly”, leading to a honeymoon on Kangaroo Island, later settling in Wilmington. They had two sons, David and Peter. John joined Dalgety & Co.LTD as a stock and station agent, respected by local farmers for his knowledge of livestock.

John’s military history was equally impressive, he enlisted in World War I in 1914, then left for war on December 22nd. He served with distinction in the Australian Imperial Force, as a Corporal and then Lance Sergeant. Taking part in the Gallipoli campaign and battles on the Western Front. His bravery during operations in the east of YPRES earned him the Military Medal. A true symbol of his courage and devotion.

After being discharged in 1919, he re-enlisted in World War II, joining the Volunteer Defence Corps in 1942, discharged in October 12th, 1945. On August 31st, 1954, John passed away suddenly at 62 on a Saturday morning. His funeral was held at West Terrace Cemetery. Remembered as a loyal and honourable man.

(sources: refer to newspaper articles and service record to the left)

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