Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. awarded to Private F. West, Lancashire Fusiliers, for his gallantry in manning a Lewis gun covering the withdrawal of his platoon during the German Spring 1918 Offensive - ‘wounded, he continued working his gun until he collapsed from loss of blood’

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (306842 Pte. F. West. 1/8 Lan: Fus:) edge nick, good very fine £600-£800

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. As No. 1 of a Lewis gun team he covered the withdrawal of his platoon and prevented it being outflanked and causing heavy losses to the advancing enemy. Later on he was wounded, but went on working his gun until he collapsed from loss of blood.’

Frank West, a native of Manchester, attested for the Lancashire Fusiliers (Territorial Force) and served with the 1/8th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from February 1917 as part of the 125th Brigade, 42nd (East Lancashire) Division, being awarded the D.C.M. for his gallantry during the German Spring Offensive of 1918.