Guardsman 2695806 Charles William Butcher, G Coy., 2nd Bn., Scots Guards.

Guardsman Butcher volunteered for the Scots Guards in 1936. He was stationed in Egypt when he was blown up in a lorry by a land mine. He died later in hospital on the 9th January 1942, aged 28. His death is recorded on the Alamein Memorial. He was not married. Before he joined up he worked for Grays the sports equipment manufacturer.

He and AF Butcher were members of the Butcher family who lived at Pembroke House on the High Street. His parents were Alfred Isaac Butcher and Rosa Butcher. Alfred was once the village blacksmith with a forge and workshop at the junction of Fen Road. He was also active in the Church as a warden, as well as sexton. Pembroke House had extensive gardens stretching past what is now Old School Lane. This was cultivated as a smallholding and the produce sold. Their mother did a great deal for the Church as did Alf who regularly used to wind the clock.

(Information from Pat Butcher 08/01/01)

The above details are taken from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission online register. You can see the record by clicking here.