| Richard Annesley West |
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Information AboutRichard Annesley West |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT RICHARD ANNESLEY WEST | |
| 1878 births | |
| west, richard annesley | |
| 1918 deaths | |
| british world war i victoria cross recipients | |
| british army officers | |
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DETAILS He was 39 years old, and an Acting Lieutenant Colonel in The North Irish Horse (S.R.) , seconded to 6th Bn., Tank Corps during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. On 21 August 1918 at Courcelles , France , during an attack, the infantry lost their bearings in dense fog and Lieutenant Colonel West at once collected any men he could find and led them to their objective, in face of heavy machine-gun fire. On 2 September at Vaulx Vraucourt, he arrived at the front line when the enemy were delivering a local counter-attack. The infantry battalion had suffered heavy officer casualties and realizing the danger if they gave way,and despite the enemy being almost upon them, Colonel West rode up and down in face of certain death, encouraging the men. He fell riddled with bullets. His magnificent bravery at a critical moment so inspired the infantry that the hostile attack was defeated. FURTHER INFORMATION One of the junior ranks that he may have inspired that day 2nd September 1918 at Vaulx-Vraucourt may well have been my great uncle, A/Sgt Roland Shaw of 2/4th Bn Yorks Light Infantry. All of Uncle Rol's officers had been killed or wounded early in the battle and according to the London Gazette "Cpl Shaw took command of the platoon, and though wounded himself he led the men forward with fine gallantry and endurance until the final objective, a position of the greatest importance, had been won. He gave in only when the consolidation was completed, when he was exhausted by loss of blood. His splendid example was worthy of great praise." For his gallantry Uncle Rol was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. God bless him. THE MEDAL His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Tank Museum ''(Dorset, England)''. REFERENCES
SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS This page has been from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission. |
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