Richard Annesley West facts for kids

Richard Annesley West (born September 26, 1878 – died September 2, 1918) was a brave officer in the British Army. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for courage a soldier can get in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. It's given for amazing bravery when facing the enemy.

Richard West's Early Life

Richard Annesley West was born on September 26, 1878. His birthplace was Cheltenham, England. He was the sixth child of Augustus George West and Sara West. His father was an Irish landowner and a former army officer.

Where Richard Went to School

Richard went to school at Monkton Combe School in Somerset. He also studied at Uckfield Agricultural College in Sussex.

Richard West's Military Service

Richard West joined the Imperial Yeomanry in 1900. This was a volunteer cavalry force. He served in South Africa during the Second Boer War. Later, he joined Kitchener's Fighting Scouts. During this time, he was captured and became a prisoner of war. After the war, he stayed in South Africa until 1909. He worked as a farmer and trained racehorses there.

Bravery in World War I

During the First World War, Richard West was 39 years old. He was a lieutenant colonel in the North Irish Horse. He was also working with the 6th Battalion of the Tank Corps. He showed incredible bravery in two separate events.

Courage at Courcelles

On August 21, 1918, near Courcelles, France, his soldiers were attacking. There was a thick fog, and the infantry (foot soldiers) got lost. Lieutenant Colonel West quickly gathered any men he could find. He led them directly to their target, even though there was heavy machine-gun fire.

Heroism at Vaulx-Vraucourt

On September 2, 1918, he arrived at the front line. The enemy was launching a surprise attack. The infantry battalion had lost many officers. Colonel West knew how dangerous it would be if the soldiers gave up. Even with the enemy very close, he rode back and forth. He encouraged his men, knowing he could be killed at any moment. He was shot many times and died. His amazing bravery at this critical moment inspired the soldiers. Because of him, the enemy attack was stopped.

Where Richard West is Buried

Richard Annesley West is buried at the Mory Abbey Military Cemetery. This cemetery is located in Mory, France.

Richard West's Victoria Cross Medal

Richard West's Victoria Cross medal was bought in 2002. It is now part of the Lord Ashcroft collection. You can see it on display at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery. This gallery is part of the Imperial War Museum in London. The exhibition is called "Extraordinary Heroes."