242 Lieutenant Leslie James West DCM
NSW Fire Brigades - Contributor Ian Grimwood AFSMLeslie James West.
Born: 1890 at Kempsey, NSW. Occupation: Storekeeper
Appointed to the Merewether Volunteer Brigade 15th June 1913. Resigned for "Active Service" 31st January 1916.
242 Lieutenant Leslie James West DCM
Enlisted: 29th December 1915 at Newcastle, 25 yrs 6 mths old.
“A” Coy, 35th Battalion, Australian Infantry
Killed in Action 4th April 1918
Commemorated : Villers Bretonneux Memorial, France
Wife – Clara Blanch, Ridge St, Newcastle
Embarked at Sydney on A24 Benalla 1st May 1916
Disembarked at Plymouth 9th July 1916
His effects were lost at sea when the ship bringing them back to Australia on the SS Barunga (ex enemy “Sumatra”). It was torpedoed with all cargo lost in the North Atlantic on 15th July 1918.
18th June 1917 - Mentioned for Bravery
Recommendation for the Distinguished Conduct Medal
At St Yves during the offensive of the 7th/12th June 1917 this NCO did very fine work in charge of carrying parties. He himself continued carrying after 36 hours continuous work and all his parties had 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
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.
Recommendation for an Award
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, 2nd Lieut 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.
2nd Lieut West recently received the DCM.
This recommendation is contained in Leslie James West’s Service Record.
No award is listed as being approved.
Distinguished Conduct Medal,
British War Medal,
Victory Medal
