Lance/Corporal William Bramley Butterworth
23034 8th East Lancashire Regiment
Killed in Action 31st May 1917, aged 25
Soon (2008) to be commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France
Commemorated on Hargreaves Street Wesleyan Chapel Memorial

Burnleys Great War Centenary

Sponsored by: Susan Little

"As there were only two children in his family, he and his brother had more opportunities than some. They did in fact come from a working class family, his father a miner and his mother formerly in the mills.
William was placed at last on the addenda panel at the Arras War memorial, maybe in 2009, but I didn't find out until 2011 !. He remained lost for many years as his surviving brother Tom couldn't find his memorial whem he tried. My late mother and William were cousins and she always said how tragic it was. He was so gifted musically (courtesy of Susan Little)

WELL KNOWN MUSICIAN

Burnley Lance-Corporal Reported “Wounded and Missing” (Burnley News 14th July 1917)

As stated in our previous issue, the musical fraternity of Burnley will learn with regret that Mr. and Mrs. Robert Butterworth, of 189, Todmorden-road, have received official news that their son, Lance-Corporal William Bramley Butterworth, 23034, 8th East Lancashire Regiment, is reported “Wounded and missing”
First news reached the town a week or two ago, when Private Woodvine, of Russell-st., Burnley, came over on furlough, Woodvine, who was in the same platoon as Corpl. Butterworth informed his parents that he, along with seven others, including the missing soldier, and the Sergt. Major, were detailed during a surprise attack by the British on the Arras front, to bomb the enemy trenches. During the attack, Corporal Butterworth was seen to fall, and when the muster was called, he and three others were found to be missing. Private Denwood, of Cliviger, news of whose death was reported in the previous issue, was one of the number. Private Woodvine said the event took place on the 31st May, and was under the impression that Corporal Butterworth had been killed. The official news, received a few days ago states however, that he was reported “wounded and missing.”
Corporal W.B. Butterworth who is 25 years of age, commenced his musical career when only 12 years of age under the tutorship of Mr. Jas. Armistead, Mus. Bac. (Oxon), of Reedley. He obtained his elementary certificate for pianoforte playing under the Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Music and Royal College of Music in 1908, and passed the Intermediate Grade in 1909. In 1910 he succeeded in obtaining the Advanced Certificate.
His musical studies were fittingly rewarded in 1912, when he was awarded the “Teachers Certificate” by the Trinity College of Music, London, thereby admitting him to the position of Associate, and entitling him to use the letters – A.T.C.L. It was about this time that he commenced as a professional teacher of the pianoforte. His thorough grasp of the art, tactful bearing, and kindly disposition stood him in good stead and he was soon quoted as a most successful tutor, with a large number of pupils. He continued his profession to the time of enlistment in may 1916. He was also organist at the Swedeuborgian Church in Briercliffe –road.
His brother Thomas Butterworth is a driver in the Royal Field Artillery. He was rejected in November 1914, and afterwards called up for re-examination, passing B2. He joined up in December of last year.