Aged 27 years

Died 13th May 1915

Commemorated on Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial
Panel 5.

Note: His father Samuel West married Jane Elizabeth Dickens in Irchester on 23^rd September 1878, and Jane Elizabeth is referred to as ‘Jane E’ on the 1881 census (in Irchester) and the 1891 census (in Arnold, Notts), and just as ‘Jane’ in 1901 (in Irchester). Samuel is a widower by 1911 – Jane Elizabeth had died aged 47 in 1906, (death registered in Northampton District), and was buried on December 13^th in Irchester.

Irchester Man Missing – Brother in Rushden – Anxious for News

Lance-Corpl. H. West, 8304 of B Company, 1st Norfolk Regt., went to the front with the British Expeditionary Force early in August, and no further news was received of him by his relatives until Oct. 6th, when a message came to hand from the War Office saying that he had been missing from his regiment since August 24th. At the time of the battle of Mons he was in charge of a machine gun, and it is probable that he might have been taken prisoner at that time. Mr. Arthur West, of 86 Glassbrook-road, Rushden, brother of Lance-Corpl. West would be glad to receive any news concerning him, and if this should meet the eye of any of his comrades who can give any information as to his whereabouts Mr. West would be grateful if they would communicate with him. Mr. West has two other brothers in the Army, both of whom are with the British Expeditionary Force.

Rushden Echo, 28^th May 1915, transcribed by Kay Collins

Rushden Men Bereaved – A Native of Irchester

In our last issue we reported from unofficial sources that Corpl. S. West (Podington) had been killed. The sad news was confirmed by his widow on Wednesday.

Corpl. S. West, of the 19^th Queen Alexandra’s Own Royal Hussars, was killed in action on May 13^th.

The late Corpl. West, who was known and respected by all who knew him, was but 27 years of age, and at the outbreak of war had put in the required period of service with the colours.

He left the army on August [4] and went to work at Sheffield M.R. but on the outbreak of war was recalled as a reservist on August 14^th, and in due course was drafted to the front with his regiment.

The deceased soldier was the son of Mr. Samuel West, of Irchester, and two brothers reside in Rushden, and another is in Australia. Two younger brothers are in His Majesty’s Forces, and one fought in the battle of Mons and we regret to say, been missing since ... last.

Mrs. S. West and relatives wish to thank all kind friends who have given expressions of sympathy with them in their sore bereavement.