Leslie James West
Leslie James West was born during June 1890 at Kempsey and was a Storekeeper by occupation. He was appointed to the Merewether Volunteer Fire Brigade on the 15th June 1913 and resigned for "Active Service" on the 31st January 1916. West, at 25 yrs and 6 months, had enlisted on the 29th December 1915 at Newcastle into, “A” Coy, 35th Battalion, Australian Infantry. This Battalion was in the process of being raised and West’s low regimental number of 242, indicates he was one of the founding members of the Battalion.
West must have shown great leadership qualities, as he was made a Corporal on the day of his enlistment. After training in Australia, He embarked at Sydney on the A24 Benalla, on the 1st May 1916 and disembarked at Plymouth on the 9th July 1916. West had been promoted to Sergeant on the 1st September 1916 and he proceeded to France with the 35th Battalion on the 21st November 1916, moving to the frontline on the 26th November 1916. Unfortunately for the 35th, they had arrived for the onset of an extremely harsh winter. After spending the first couple of weeks in France in hospital with laryngitis, West rejoined the Battalion and was involved in the Battalion’s first major battle, that being Messines on the 7th June 1917 For his actions during this battle, West was recommended for and received the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
Recommendation for the Distinguished Conduct Medal
242 Company Sergeant Major Leslie James West
At ST YVES during the offensive of the 7th/12th June 1917 this N.C.O. did very fine work in charge of carrying parties. He himself continued carrying after 36 hours continuous work, and all his parties has become casualties. He persisted in his work until the Companies he was carrying were supplied with water, and after a short spell, took up the work again and continued until the end. He was several times nearly blown up by shells bursting close to him.
London Gazette 25th August 1917
242 Company Sergeany Major Leslie James West
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal to the undermentioned Warrant Officers, Non – Commissioned Officers and Men for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty in the field.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of carrying parties. He continued carrying after thirty six hours continuous work, with all his party casualties. He proceeded in his work until the companies he was carrying for were supplied with water, although several times nearly blown up by shells bursting close to him. West’s exemplary service continued, being promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on the 4th July 1917 and later in July 1917, he was recommended for another bravery award.
Recommendation for an Award Second Lieutenant Leslie James West
31st July 1917 9th Infantry Brigade
The GOC Brigade has pleasure in commending this officer:-
“During enemy attack at Messines on night 28th/29th July 1917, showed conspicuous gallantry and leadership. At the opening of the enemy barrage, 2ndLieut West, was in the act of sending up the SOS, when it was blown from his hands by enemy shell fire. Almost immediately after he was again struck by shell fire, his pistol being smashed in the holster, but not withstanding he was severely shaken and had received several minor wounds, he carried on throughout the night, doing splendid work under most trying conditions.
2ndLieut West recently received the DCM.
The above congratulatory entry is contained in Leslie James West’s Service Record, but a decoration was notawarded in respect of this entry.
The remainder of 1917 was spent in England on courses and he returned to France on the 27th November 1917. West was promoted to Lieutenant in the field, on the 11th January 1918.
After a brief spell of leave in England, West returned for the German Spring Offensive, which saw the 35th Battalion deployed to assist in the defence of the approaches to Amiens around Villers-Bretonneux. The 35th was part of a counter attack at Hangard Wood on the 30th March 1918 and helped to defeat a major German assault on Villerws-Bretonneux on the 4th April 1918..
It was on this day, that Lt West was killed in action. During these battles, the 35th suffered nearly 70 percent casualties. The following report, details his death;
Lt Leslie James West body was never recovered, but his name is commemorated on the Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, France His actions and death have contributed directly to the strong links between Australia and Villers-Bretonneux, a village which continues to honour the Australians sacrifice to defend the village. Epitomised by the sign at the local primary school, which states: "Never Forget Australia". His wife, Clara Blanch West, of Ridge St, Merewether, was informed that, Lt West’seffects were lost at sea when the ship bringing them back to Australia, S.S. Barunga (ex enemy “Sumatra”), was torpedoed with all cargo lost in the North Atlantic on 15th July 1918.
Lt West received the following medals for his WWI service: Distinguished Conduct Medal,British War Medaland Victory Medal