Walter West
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Father: Joseph West, born in 1859 at Whitwick, Leicestershire, and working as a glazier and painter. Mother: Isabella West, born in 1863 at Papplewick, Nottinghamshire. Brothers: Joseph William, born in 1887 and working as a card lacer in the lace industry, and Alfred E., born in 1888. Sisters: Emma, born in 1884 in Old Lenton, Nottingham, and working as a lace machinist, Clara, born in 1886 in Old Lenton and also working as a lace machinist, Eliza Ann, born in 1891 and employed as a hosiery worker and Dorothy, born in 1898. Another sister, Martha, born in 1892 died on 15 September the same year aged six months. Apart from Emma and Clara all the children were born in Beeston. The family lived at 3 Dagmar Grove, Beeston, before moving to 3 Clyde Street, Meadows, Nottingham. They were living in the Meadows at the time of Walter's death in 1918. Walter was engaged to Violet at the time of his death. His father Joseph died on 13 June 1931 aged 73 years and his mother Isabella on 13 November 1936 aged 74 years.
Pte. West was a member of the territorial army and was mobilised August 1914 when he served with the 7th Bn Sherwood Foresters. He arrived in France on 26/02/1915 and was later posted to 1st Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. The battalion fought in the Second Battle of Bapaume in August 1918, advancing against stiff resistance. The battalion captured trenches south east of Haudicourt and the Revlon Ridge, but Pte. West was killed in action. His body was never recovered but his name was commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial.
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 19 September 1918: ‘West. Killed in action, August 26th, 1918, Walter, aged 22, the dearly beloved and youngest son of Joseph and Isabella West, 3, Clyde-street, Wilford-road, Nottingham (late of Preston). His third time in France, went out with Sherwood Foresteres when 18. A precious life laid down, God knew he did his share, and took him home to rest. Sadly missed by sorrowing father, mother, all brothers and sisters. Joseph in France, John and Emma in South Africa, and Violet (fiancée).’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) 'In Memoriam' published 26th August 1921 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “WEST. – In loving memory of Pte. Walter West, 1/7th Robin Hoods, killed in action August 26th, 1918. Gone from our home, but not from our hearts. – From sorrowing father, mother, all brothers and sisters, and fiancée Violet. “WEST. – In loving memory of Pte. Walter West, 1/7th Robin Hoods, killed in August 26th, 1918. Ever remembered by his sorrowing sister and brother Emma [?] and John, nephews Alistair and Kenneth (South Africa).” above are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918 Inscription on headstone, Beeston and Stapleford Cemetery, Beeston, Nottingham: ‘In loving memory of Joseph the beloved husband of Isabella West died 13th June 1931 aged 73 years. Also Walter son of the above fell in action 28th Aug. 1918 aged 22 years. Also Martha their daughter who died 15th Sept. 1892 aged 6 months. Resting. Also Isabella West wife of the above, died Nov. 13th 1936 aged 74 years. Some day we’ll meet again.’
