The Kenneth Petrie Collection, Part 2

A Great War 1915 ‘French theatre’ D.C.M. awarded to Lance Corporal A. J. West, 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, later Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (11124 Pte A. J. West. 1/Middx: Regt) worn, good fine £500-£700 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 30 June 1915: ‘For conspicuously gallant conduct near Armentieres on 3rd January, 1915, in carrying a wounded man, under a hot sniping fire, across the open, the communication trench at the time being impassable. Private West has constantly brought in wounded men under fire.’ Arthur J. West served during the Great War in the 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment in the French theatre of war from 11 August 1914. The Battalion moved from the Houplines sector to Armentieres, 20 December 1914, where they served as ‘part of 19th Brigade, attached 6th Division. On 2nd January began tours in Bois-Grenier sector trenches. Battalion headquarters near Ration Farm. War Diary notes very bad weather conditions throughout January. Heavy rain caused dug-outs to fall in, parapets disappeared, sandbags sunk into the mud. Men up to their knees in mud and water in most places.’ (British Battalions on the Western Front January to June 1915, by R. Westlake refers). West subsequently advanced to Lance Corporal and transferred to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.