Menottie Butcher

Menottie Butcher was born in 1875 in Corowa, NSW, to Charles and Wilhermina Butcher.

On March 15, 1916, he enlisted at Tallangatta, Victoria. At the time, he was a single, 40-year-old bushman living at Corryong, Victoria. He was allocated Regimental Number 532 and placed in B Company of the 37th Battalion at Seymour, Victoria. Menottie gave his next of kin as mother, Wilhermina Butcher.

While on medical leave due to an injured hand, Menottie decided to spend some time with friends in Corryong. The group decided to go out shooting. The May 18, 1916, edition of the Corryong Courier explained what happened.

“GUN ACCIDENT. - A rather painful accident happened on Monday last to private Menotti Butcher, well known around these parts. He was on leave from camp, having injured the index finger of his right hand, and was out shooting with Mr A. W. Meurant, of Thougla. The gun he was using burst, practically blowing off the middle and index fingers of his hand between the first and second joints. He was brought into the hospital, where Dr Greenham attended to his injuries. While he will be [out for a] considerable time, it is gratifying to know that he will not be permanently injured.”

The Medical Examiner at No.5 Australian General Hospital begged to differ and recommended that Menotti be discharged as permanently unfit due to having two fingers on his right hand amputated. On June 15, 1916, Menottie was discharged from the AIF.

Electoral Rolls show that in 1921, Menottie was living in Thowlga and working as a gardener. By 1936, he was working as a dairyman and had moved to Biggara. The next piece of information shows that by 1950, he was living in Gould Street, Frankston, Victoria.

On Monday, October 30, 1950, he was walking along the Nepean Highway when he was struck by a passing car. He was admitted to Frankston Hospital with serious head injuries, and he passed away on the following day. He was buried in Melbourne General Cemetery, where he now lies in an unmarked grave.