One a series of six photographs taken by the German Wehrmacht (Army) Information Bureau showing the funeral at Bokum, Germany, of RAAF Sergeant Albert Buttel of No. 49 Squadron RAF, on 24 June 1942. In June 1942 No. 49 Squadron was still flying the early prototype of the Lancaster bomber—the Manchester—and on the night of 6–7 June, when Buttel died, three Manchesters were lost on an operation against Emden, in north-west Germany. Records indicate that Buttel's body was washed up on the German coast, and along with another unidentified Australian airman he was given this elaborate funeral by the enemy. A military band played a chorale, a chaplain made an address, wreathes were laid, the bodies were lowered into the ground, and a guard of honour from the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) fired a salute. There is no indication of why Buttel in particular was accorded this honour. [AWM SUK11603A]
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