Hello, I am researching Willis Butler, an RAF Reserve Leading Aircraftman. He was taken prisoner in Java in March 1942, and died in November of that year. Records show he had Beriberi and dysentery. He was my great uncle (mother's mother's brother) and was 22 when he died. He was from Ilkeston in Derbyshire, and ironically had never travelled anywhere but is now buried in Jakarta. We did not know what had happened to him, other than he was captured by the Japanese, until recently when we found out where he was grave was, and then managed to trace more information about him (mainly via 'Findmypast') once we knew he was in Java. He was in Jakarta/Batavia Branch Camp 3. My mother cried despite not knowing him, because she wished her mother had known what had become of him. Heartbreakingly, I found that his medals and photograph were auctioned in London in 2015. I wish I had known. If anyone knows anything of him I would be grateful, but equally I am happy that we found what became of him and where his final resting place is.
Hello and welcome to the forum Simply for the record, CWGC link: Casualty Leading Aircraftman BUTLER, WILLIS Service Number 1156929 Died 16/11/1942 Aged 22 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Son of William and Ethel Mary Butler, of Ilkestone, Derbyshire. INSCRIPTION: GRANT HIM, O LORD, ETERNAL REST Buried at JAKARTA WAR CEMETERY Location: Indonesia Cemetery/memorial reference: 5. J. 14.
Also apply for his service records Get a copy of military service records BUTLER, Leading Aircraftman, WILLIS, 1156929. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 16th November 1942. Age 22. Son of William and Ethel Mary Butler, of Ilkestone, Derbyshire. 5. J. 14. B https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/20265277/willis-w-butler#view-photo=165427878
Some useful links, Graham Java - East Indies camp archives List of Japanese-run internment camps during World War II - Wikipedia
You have probably noticed from the CWGC entry that Willis Butler was originally interred in Surabaya Cemetery and later moved to the Jakarta War Cemetery. http://www.mansell.com/pow_resources/camplists/nei/JAVA_deaths_burials_RG407Bx170.pdf And in case you haven't seen it: Bu Database Tim
Hiya Willis Butler is also my Great Uncle. My Grandad is Samson and my Dad was named after Willis. I'm also looking into our family history. I've got some letters that were sent to my grandad in the war I don't know if they might be of interest. I can't help much on the Willis front I'm afraid. Good luck on your search.
I found the listing for the auction and the photo wasn't of him. So not sure whether they were actually his medals apparently they are still in the family. Someone sent me his photos so if you want a copy I would gladly send it you.
Hi so I do alot of underground exploration in historic sites alot are ww2 sites and I've come across a carving into stone with the initials B WILLIS NOTTS R.A.F 1941 do you know if he was part of the NOTTS
History hunters, Welcome aboard. Laura has not logged in since September 2020. I will send her a PM to alert here to your post; assuming the email address given on joining remains active. We do not have a timeline of Mr Willis's RAF career and postings. Where was the sign found?