Robert Henry Butt was born in Southampton, Hampshire, England on 27 June 1890. He was the son of William Butt (1848-1932) and Emily Woodcock (1852-1929), both Southampton-natives who had married in 1873.

Robert was one of ten children born to his parents, his siblings being: Emily Leah (b. 1875), Sabina Mary (b. 1876), Elizabeth Maud (b. 1877), Elizabeth Augusta (b. 1879), William John (b. 1881), Cecelia Jane (b. 1884), Edith Fanny (b. 1886), Albert Edward (b. 1889) and George Leonard (b. 1894).

Robert first appears on the 1891 census. At the time he and his family were living at 26 Kent Road, Freemantle, Southampton and his father was described as a musician. The family are listed at 4 Gordon Terrace, Heysham Road on the 1901 census. By the time of the 1911 census Robert and his family are living at 36 Richmond Road, Freemantle, Southampton and he is described as an unmarried ship's steward for the White Star Line.

When he signed-on to the Titanic, on 6 April 1912, Robert gave his address as 6 Cawte Road, (Southampton). His last ship had been the Oceanic. As a first class saloon steward he received monthly wages of £3 15s. Also serving aboard, as a fireman, was his brother William John Butt.

Robert Butt, along with his brother, died in the sinking and both their bodies were recovered.

Robert's body was recovered by the Mackay-Bennett (#10) and was buried at Fairview Cemetery, Halifax, Nova Scotia on 8 May 1912.

The following death notice appeared in the Southampton Times (unknown date):

BUTT--April 15th, on s.s. Titanic, William, aged 30, and Robert aged 21, the dearly loved sons of William and Emily Butt, of 6. Cawte Road, Freemantle, Southampton. Deeply mourned by all the family. "Peace, Perfect Peace."