Alan Clifton Navin Butcher
From Our Contribution
 Alan on right, with brother Raymond in 1942 | |
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 15 Jul 1916 |
| Place of Birth | Katanning, Western Australia |
| Death | 3 Jan 1999 |
| Place of Death | Subiaco, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 24 years, 7 months |
| Occupation | stockman |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Bunbury road, Armadale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr Edward William Temperley Butcher |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | WX10979 |
| Date of Enlistment | 3 Mar 1941 |
| Rank | Lance Corporal |
| Unit/Formation | 2/11th Australian Infantry Battalion |
| Military Movement | |
| 1st Departure from Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 7 Nov 1941 ‒ 24 Nov 1941 |
| Transport Details | HMT Queen Mary Fremantle to Port Tewfik |
| Return to Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 16 Feb 1942 ‒ 7 Mar 1942 |
| Transport Details | HMT Durban Castle Port Tewfik to Adelaide |
| Post War Details | |
Pre War
War Service
While Alan enlisted on 6 Mar 1941 it was not until 20 Mar 1941 that he was to begin his training at the Naval Base Training Depot. Then on 28 Mar 1941 he was transferred to the 1st Training Battalion at Northam. On 29 May 1941 Alan was promoted Acting Corporal, and on 5 Jun 1941 he was detached to the Officer Training School at Bonegilla in Victoria, before returning to his unit, which was now the Reinforcement pool for the 2/11th Australian Infantry Battalion on 10 Sep 1941. On 4 Nov 1941 Alan was promoted Acting Sergeant, and on 7 Nov 1941 he embarked on Convoy US13 for the Middle East where he disembarked on 24 Nov 1941, and joined the 19th Australian Infantry Training Battalion. On 9 Dec 1941 Alan was found guilty of 1) Neglect to the prejudice of good order and military discipline, and 2) Neglecting to obey a general order. Alan was reduced to Private as a consequence.
However, on 31 Dec 1941, Alan was promoted to Acting Corporal, and on 28 Jan 1942 he was transferred tot he 2/11th Australian Infantry Battalion where he again reverted to Private. On 10 Feb 1942 with his unit he departed Hill 69 by catching a train at Majdal for Suez where on 16 Feb 1942 they embarked on HMT Durban Castle for Adelaide where they disembarked on 7 Mar 1942.
On 14 May 1942 Alan was appointed Lance Corporal, and from 30 May until 13 Jun 1942 he successfully attended the No.4 Anti Gas Course at Narrogin, and from 6 Aug until 29 Nov 1942 he attended an Unarmed Compbat course where he achieved a 'Very Good Pass'. On 29 Nov 1942 Alan was promoted Acting Corporal and on 1 Dec 1942 he was transferred to the 35th Australian Infantry Training Battalion. On 31 May 1943 Alan was transferred back to the 2/11th Australian Infantry Battalion.
On 5 Jun 1943 Alan was evacuated to the 108th Australian Casualty Clearing Station who then on the next day passed him to the 110th Australian Base Hospital to be treated for Fibrositis. On 20 Jun 1943 he was transferred to the Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot Medical wing where on 19 Oct 1943 a Medical Board classified his health status as 'D' leading to his discharge on 21 Nov 1943
Post War
Muriel Leura Butcher nee Badham who died 11 Sep 1969 at Gosnells, aged 73 (mother who lived with him.) Electoral Roll entries: 1943 "Buens Park", Bunbury road, Armadale, stockman; 1958 - 1963 "Lilac Poultry Farm", Hicks street, Gosnells, poultry farmer; 1968 - 1980 at 22 Shelton street, Safety Bay, farmer.
Notes