Robert Cooper Buttifant

A Corporal with 128th Field Coy., died on 20th of October 1915 at the age of 26. 

Robert was born at Corton in 1889, a son of Frederick C and Emma Buttifant. He was baptised at Saint Bartholomew’s Church, Corton, on 6 January 1889. In 1891 his family lived at Mill Lane, Corton. By 1901 they were living at High Street, Corton. Later his parents lived at 1 Rose Cottage, Corton.

Robert joined the Metropolitan Police on 27 December 1909 and was a keen footballer and cricketer and member of the Police Athletic Club.

Robert was working as a Police Constable, with the Metropolitan Police, and living at The Police Station, Barking, Essex, when he volunteered and attested for the Royal Engineers at East Ham on 1 February 1915. He was posted to 128 Field Company on 9 February 1915.

On 5 April 1915 Robert was promoted to 2nd Corporal, and on 17 July 1915 he was promoted to Corporal. He embarked for France, with 128 Field Company, on 27 August 1915.  

On 20 October 1915 128 field Company were employed in making bomb proof dug-outs in the front line and draining and planking communication trenches, in the vicinity of Bois Grenier. During the night they worked on loopholing parapets. They were bivouacked at Brick Street.

Robert was killed in act on 20 October.

Many of Robert’s personal effects were returned to his mother, including: identity disc, pocket book, letters, purse and coins, two razor strops, four handkerchiefs, soap and case, razor, two sticks of shaving soap, pipe and pouch, metal chain, silver watch and chain,  tea spoon, tin opener, compass, tin of ointment, knife and a tin with cigarettes.