FUNERAL OF AIRMAN

Southland Times, Issue 24420, 28 April 1941, Page 6

FUNERAL OF AIRMAN

PILOT OFFICER B. W. BUTLER

The funeral of Pilot Officer Bertrand William Butler, who was killed at Auckland on April 18 in an aircraft accident, took place at the Eastern Cemetery on Saturday morning. There was a large number of mourners. The Army Department was represented by Captain H. M. Hopper. Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Mary’s Basilica by the Rt. Rev. Monsignor M. Howard. The Marist Brothers’ Boys’ Choir assisted at the Mass. The pall-bearers, both at the church and at the cemetery, were Messrs B. Butler, J. E. Cuthill, F. Downey, A. R. Smith, T. Quirk and G. Brittenden. The service at the graveside was also conducted by Monsignor Howard, assisted by Father J. Fenton, while the Marist Brothers’ Boys’ Choir again took part. “Last Post” and “Reveille” were sounded by Lieutenant J. L. Napier. Telegi ams from all over the Dominion were received by Pilot Officer Butler’s parents and many wreaths were also received. A service was held at the Hobsonville Air Station, Auckland, on Monday, when a large number of Air Force trainees and teachers and pupils from Sacred Heart College were present.