Second-Lieut Richard Norman Butcher, 20th The King's (Liverpool) Regiment, died on August 5th, 1916, from wounds sustained on the Somme on July 30th. He was aged 26 and the son of Bute Street pawnbroker William Joseph Butcher and his wife Lily Rhoda, who lived at Bendrose, Braithwaite Road [later Malzeard Road], off Studley Road, Luton.

He had joined the 24th County of London ("Queen's") Regiment in the ranks on September 12th, 1914, and was promoted to lance-corporal while serving in France. He was wounded on May 26th, 1915, in the charge at Givenchy. After he recovered, he rejoined his regiment in September 1915 and took a commission he was offered and was gazetted to the 15th King's (Liverpool) Regiment.

Lieut Butcher rejoined the Expeditionary Force on June 19th, 1916, and was attached to the 20th King's (Liverpool) Regiment. He was slightly wounded for a second time on July 11th and rejoined his regiment after the wound was dressed. His third and fatal wound came on July 30th, as a result of which he died in hospital in France.

Richard Butcher was educated at St Gregory's School, Luton, and at Mill Hill School, where he distinguished himself in swimming and rugby. Prior to enlisting, he was employed in the straw trade with Messrs William Walsh and Sons, Chapel Street.

He had a brother, Ralph Wycombe Butcher, who had also risen from the ranks to earn a commission with the 4th Manchester Regiment. He was killed on March 14th, 1917, while attached to the 22nd Manchesters, aged 21.