The Rushden Echo, 3rd November, 1916, transcribed by Gill Hollis
Recommended Three Times
Rushden Soldier’s Good Work Fighting on The Somme
Disheartened Germans
Northamptonshire Regiment Congratulated
A thrilling description of the Somme fighting has been given to a representative of the “Rushden Echo” by Corpl. J. R. Butts (Rushden), of the Northants Regiment, Lewis Gun Section, who has been spending ten days’ leave at home after 22 months on the western front.
“On July 10th this year,” he said, “we started the big offensive, and my regiment at once went into the attack. We got orders to go over the parapet at 10.15 p.m., and our chaps went over as if they were starting a 100 yards sprint. As we advanced across No Man’s Land we suffered some casualties, but very light considering the stuff the Germans slung at us. We succeeded in reaching the German first line, which we held for about three quarters of an hour, but owing to our fellows on the right getting repulsed we were obliged to withdraw. A few days afterwards we were moved to a different part of the line, and here we made several attacks, which were successful, as in the first attack we collared about 200 yards of the enemy trenches, and this we called Clark’s trench.
“A few days afterwards we made another attack on the left of High Wood, and again were successful, taking about 300 yards of the German trenches. We were then taken out of the trenches, and were put in reserve for a few days’ rest.
“We were then called up again, and were taken up to the front of High Wood, from whence we made another attack. My company succeeded in getting through, but the other company failed owing to the terrific rifle fire and rain of shells from the enemy. We gained our objective after our chaps had mined under the German trenches and blown them to hell, I and my gun team occupying the crater which had been formed.
“After we had been there about half-an-hour the Germans made a strong attempt to bomb us out, and all the men had the order to withdraw. The sergeant (Sergt. Preedy) and myself did not hear the order and therefore stayed behind until I lost my machine gun, which was blown up into the air by a German bomb. Both I and the sergeant then retired through the German line, which had been captured in the meantime by the Sussex Regt. For this deed both I and the sergeant were recommended, this making the third time that I have been given a recommendation.
“After this the division was relieved, and formed up and went back into billets for about five days, and then we again moved up to the firing line, and remained there three days whilst other regiments, that had been cut up, received reinforcements. Our battalion was then taken out just behind the reserve trenches, where we were formed up in a square, and the General of the brigade congratulated us on the work we had done, saying that we had attained two more honours than in the battle of Talavera, and he was proud to have such a regiment in the 2nd Brigade. When the regiment received orders to do anything, he said, they did it, and did it well. We were then taken out for a long rest, which we are now enjoying.”
In reply to questions by our representative, Corpl. Butts says that the prisoners his regiment have taken look worn-out, and say that being under the Allied bombardment is like being in hell. They are utterly sick of the war, and wish it were over. One prisoner, who could speak good English, when he saw what was behind the British lines, said he pitied his comrades who were still in the trenches.
Corpl. Butts considers that the war will last through the winter. He has already spent two Christmases in the trenches, and expects to be there this next Christmas. He has been twice slightly wounded, and in February, 1915, was invalided home with frostbitten feet.
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Rushden Echo, 26th July 1918, transcribed by Kay Collins
Corporal J. R. Butts Wins D.C.M.
Rushden Soldier's Gallantry Rewarded
We are pleased to record that the Distinguished Conduct Medal has been awarded to a Rushden soldier for conspicuous bravery on the field, after having been recommended three times.
The recipient is Corpl. J. R. Butts, of the Northants Regiment, who is an old "regular," having Joined the Army in 1911. He is the husband of Mrs. J. R. Butts, of 1, Westbourne-grove, Rushden.
The gallant soldier writes to us, under date July 16th, in the modest strain characteristic of the British "Tommy," as follows: "Just a few lines to you thanking you very much for your paper the ‘Rushden Echo,’ which I receive every week. I am sure it is much welcomed, as I and all the Rushden boys look forward to it, although we are far away. You people, who are so good to us, are always in our minds. I am quite well, and have some good news to tell you. I have been awarded the D.C.M. for bravery in the field, after being recommended three times for good work, although there are plenty more who fully deserve the same honour but are never noticed."
Corpl. Butts's many friends will join with us in congratulating him upon his well-deserved honour.
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