Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

"C" Company, The North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment, 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

August 31st, 1944

Recommendation:
On 6 June 1944 “C” Coy attacked enemy positions at Tailleville. Enemy in dug in position held up the advance to the objective of Private Butland’s section. There was no way in which fire could be brought to bear on the enemy from cover. Recognizing this fact and the seriousness of this hold-up Private Butland stepped into the open and advanced firing his LMG from the hip, directly into the enemy, effectively silencing their fire. During this action he was under such intense fire from this and at least one other position, that his web equipment was actually cut off his shoulders by the enemy fire. By his quick action the section was enabled to advance after only a brief pause.
On 7 June 1944 Private Butland was wounded in the neck by shrapnel. He had his wound dressed and at once returned to his section and continued to display a great daring in the use of his LMG.
During all the operations of his section on the first two days of action, Private Butland’s skill with his weapon was directly responsible for the success of their attacks and his personal disregard for danger inspired a high degree of confidence in all his section.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 31 August, 1944.