Historical information

Ernest Butcher served as No 56 8th Light Horse Regiment. He died of wounds sustained during the August 1915 offensive at Gallipoli. He is buried at Ari Burnu Cemetery Gallipoli. The death medallion was mounted on a wooden panel by his nephew Arthur Butcher and presented to 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles on Anzac Day 1977.

Significance

The 8th Light Horse suffered crippling casualties in the August offensive at Gallipoli. This innovative approach to ensuring the memory of a family member is well provenanced and lodged with the major repository of memorabilia of the regiment.

Physical description

Death medallion for No 56 Trooper Ernest Henry Butcher, 8th Light Horse, mounted on stained wooden panel with two engraved plaques.

Inscriptions & markings

"Ernest Henry Butcher / Born Port Melbourne / Enlisted 1914 8th Light Horse / Died of Wounds / Lone Pine Gallipoli/August 4 1915 Age 23 years 9 months" and "Presented by/ Mr Arthur Butcher / Nephew of Ernest Butcher / 25 April 1977"