World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Cheltenham, England, he served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the 6th Battalion, Royal Tank Corps, British Army. On September 2, 1918, during an attack at Courcelles, France, the infantry lost their bearings in dense fog. Lieutenant Colonel West at once collected any men he could find and then led them to their objective. In face of heavy machine-gun fire, he arrived at the front line when the enemy were delivering a forward counter-attack. The infantry battalion had suffered heavy casualties and realizing the danger if they gave way, Lieutenant Colonel West went up and down the line encouraging the men until he fell dead riddled with bullets. For most conspicuous bravery and leadership, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on October 30, 1918.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Cheltenham, England, he served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the 6th Battalion, Royal Tank Corps, British Army. On September 2, 1918, during an attack at Courcelles, France, the infantry lost their bearings in dense fog. Lieutenant Colonel West at once collected any men he could find and then led them to their objective. In face of heavy machine-gun fire, he arrived at the front line when the enemy were delivering a forward counter-attack. The infantry battalion had suffered heavy casualties and realizing the danger if they gave way, Lieutenant Colonel West went up and down the line encouraging the men until he fell dead riddled with bullets. For most conspicuous bravery and leadership, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on October 30, 1918.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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