Butts, Nolan (Warrant Officer 2)

Born in Newfoundland, 1919, home in Whitney Pier, Nova Scotia; enlisted Halifax, 30 April 1941. Trained at No9 BGS (graduated 25 September 1942) Killed in Action 17 October 1943 (Stirling EH 960), name on Runnymede War Memorial. 196 Squadron (Sic Fidem Servarrius) RAF Witchford, Stirling III aircraft EH 960 ZO-X failed to return from an air test due to engine problems. Flying Officer FJ Chapman (RAFVR), Sergeant KL Wallace (RAFVR), Flying Officer JL Deans (RAFVR) were killed. Warrant Officer Class 2 N Butts DFM (RCAF), Flying Officer JL Deans (RAFVR), Sergeant T McDonnell (RAFVR) and Flight Lieutenant JG Griffith (RAFVR) (Squadron Engineering Officer) missing believed killed. They have no known graves and are commemorated on the Runnymede War Memorial. Flying Officer Deans and Flight Sergeant Butts had survived a force landing in Wellington X aircraft HE 163 June 1-2, 1943 at Leconfield, England. Addendum: - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.196 Squadron - Award effective 2 October 1943 as per London Gazette dated 5 October 1943 and AFRO 2258/43 dated 5 November 1943. Cited with Flying Officer James Lyall Deans (RAF pilot, awarded DFC). Award sent by registered mail to next-of-kin, 29 December 1944. The citation reads - "One night in September 1943, Flying Officer Deans and Sergeant Butts were pilot and rear gunner of an aircraft which attached Mannheim. Shortly after the bombs were released the aircraft was attacked by enemy fighters. In the first attack the bomber was hit and Sergeant Butts' guns suddenly failed to operate. Nevertheless this airman coolly gave his pilot directions in offensive action and at the same time cleared his guns of their stoppages. Further attacks were made by the enemy fighters but owing to Sergeant Butts' skillful commentary Flying Officer Deans so maneuvered his aircraft that one of the attackers was shot down. This officer and airman displayed great skill and courage." Detail provided by H. Halliday, Orleans, Ontario. W/O Butts was from Whitney Pier, Nova Scotia not Cape Breton. Detail provided by DA Stallard, Trenton, Nova Scotia