Hi. I'm Kellie and I'm looking for information on my grandfather, Bert Butler. My dad doesn't know the details - he only has stories that his father told him when he was young. All we know is that he served in England, shooting at enemy planes (probably an anti-aircraft gunner?). In the past I was told he might've been in the Home Guard but they weren't sure. I'm hoping someone might recognise the uniform and badge and could help, please? Thank you
Hi Kelz and welcome to the forum. I am no expert on uniforms but the badge looks about right for RA (Royal Artillery) and the white lanyard was RA I believe. Shame the shoulder flash is not visible in your photo. Best way to get details for a relative's wartime service is to apply for their service record. See this link: service records army There is several months wait for records at the moment but fill the forms in and send them off - it should be well worth it. Be sure to ask for a copy of the full record, not just an abbreviated version. Good luck, Mike
Hi Mike, thanks for the welcome and the help. Unfortunately there's no way to have a better look or see his shoulder flash either, it's the only photo we have from his time in the army. I'll definitely look into trying to get his records! Thank you for taking a look
HI Kellie Mike was assuming he was in the British Army, is that right? I notice you are from Victoria, so he was not in the Australian Army, although I think not if he was shooting at aircraft in England, but better to check as Australian records are different. A few people have posted the records on here, so have a look around and see what to expect. regards Robert
Hi Robert, That's right - I should've said that in the first post. He was in the British Army, not the Australian one. I'll have a read around and see what's what. Thank you!
Late in the war many anti aircraft gun sites were manned by the Home Guard to release more active personnel for other duties. So he could be in the Home Guard and an anti aircraft unit at the same time. His cap badge looks like the Royal Artillery. The most helpful badges would be on his sleeve and we cannot see those. Mike
Thank you for that added bit of info about the Home Guard, Mike. That must've been why the lady I asked thought he might've been in the Home Guard. Wish we had a clearer shot with his shoulder flash/sleeve so there's more to go on. Looks like sending off for his records might be the way to go.
If he wasn't HG it's more likely an early to mid war photo judging by his attire. Up to about 42 I would say, as an educated guess only.
