18/2/10 - Tony O'Shaughnessy wrote:
There can only be the one John Butler, a larger than life character who I first met in Northern Ireland in 1975. He was one of the few RAOC Photographers scattered about the Province working unrecognised and unappreciated. I spent many happy times both on duty and socially with John, and never was there a dull moment.John got on well with most people we came into contact with, but none more so than the boys from Hereford, who respected him so much that they invited him to try for selection. Unfortunately John injured himself during selection and was medically RTU'd. This was a bitter blow to a very fine man and John was never the same again.He left the Army in 1977 and although I kept in touch with him until 1994, For some reason we lost contact. It wasn't until I contacted Dave Spear did I know that this unique and extremely brave and loyal friend had died.I will always remember John with gratitude for the hazardous and fun times we had together.Rest in peace John, you deserve it.
Any details, memories or photographs that you may have would be most welcome.