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West VC action locations


Gareth Davies

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I am trying to narrow down where Lt Col Richard West was on 2 Sep 18, the 2nd day of action for which he was awarded the VC and the day he was killed.  The WD says:

 

Orders were received that 5 Whippets were to follow Mark Vs at Zero as far as DUNELM AVENUE at C22b 6.7, crossing the trench and proceeding west of LAGNICOURT, to hold the ground east of the village until it was consolidated by the infantry.  5 Whippets started at 5.30 am from lying up place, but 2 tanks of C Coy developed engine trouble.  The others crossed the sunken road, coming up to the enemy and inflicting heavy casualties.  They reached objectives and when infantry had consolidated, returned to rallying point.  During these operations Lt Col R A West DSO MC was mortally wounded whilst rallying the infantry who where at this point in advance of the tanks.

 

I can find where they crossed Dunelm Avenue but the "preceding west...to hold the ground east" is confusing me.  Can anyone help me narrow down where he was when he was killed?

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Would the ground east relate to east  of the village Vaulx-Vraucourt (C25,26) which is mentioned in his citation ?

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The village was Vaulx-Vraucourt?

 

 

You probably have this, but just in case;

 

On 2 September VI Corps attacked Vaulx Vraucourt over ground difficult for tanks and infantrymen alike. The Whippets were initially held back for use later in the day, so West, now commanding officer of the 6th Battalion, rode forward to follow the progress of the infantry. While he was there an enemy counter-attack developed and West was killed. For his most conspicuous bravery, leadership and self-sacrifice that day and on 21 August he was awarded a Victoria Cross:

 

. ...  it was intended that a battalion of light Tanks -under the command of this officer should exploit the initial infantry and heavy Tank attack. He therefore went forward in order to keep in touch with the progress of the battle, and arrived at the front line when the enemy were in process of delivering a local counterattack. The infantry battalion had suffered heavy officer casualties, and its flanks were exposed. Realising that there was a danger of the battalion giving way, he at once rode out in front of them under extremely heavy machine-gun and rifle fire and rallied the men. In spite of the fact that the enemy were close upon him he took charge of the situation and detailed non-commissioned officers to replace officer casualties. He then rode up and down in front of them in face of certain death, encouraging the men and calling to them, “Stick it, men; show them fight; and for God's sake put up a good fight.” He fell riddled by machine-gun bullets. The magnificent bravery of this very gallant officer at the critical moment inspired the infantry to redoubled efforts, and the hostile attack was defeated.

 

http://www.northirishhorse.com.au/NIH/Images/People/Full pictures/West.htm

 

 

 

Great minds EDWARD1.

Edited by IPT
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Thank you @EDWARD1 and @IPT.  Yes, the "village" was indeed V-V.  

 

 

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