Operation: Armed Recconaisance
Date: 25th February 1945 (Sunday)
Unit: No. 74 Squadron - 2nd Tactical Air Force (145 Wing, 84 Group)
Type: Spitfire LF.IX
Serial: PV311
Code: 4D-?
Base: Schijndel Airfield, Netherlands
Location: No precise location
Pilot: W/O. Ivan William Butler NZ/422257 RNZAF Age 22. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Taking off from Schijndel Airfield in the Netherlands at 08:30 hrs on an armed recconaisance in support of allied ground troops. Understood to have been shot down after an attack on a train. The pilot is understood to have been recovered by a USA medical unit and then transferred to the 24 evacuation hospital in Brandenburg.
Sadly the pilot died the following day from his injuries. Initially buried at the American Military Cemetery at Margaten, then re-interred in Nederweert War Cemetery.
Burial details:
W/O. Ivan William Butler. Nederweert War Cemetery. Grave IV.D.5. Son of Henry and Maud Butler, of Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand. 645 hours flying hours logged.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to Errol Martyn and his research, Auckland Cenotaph and Weekly News, New Zealand. Other sources as quoted below:
