Eight: Lieutenant-Colonel G. West, Suffolk Regiment, later Burma Auxiliary Force

1914-15 Star (2 Lieut. G. West Suff. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lt. Col. G. West.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, these unnamed; Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Burma, reverse engraved, ‘Lt-Col. G. West, B.A.F.’, mounted court style for wear, very fine, rare (8) £500-£700

Provenance: Long Service Medals from the collection formed by John Tamplin, Dix Noonan Webb, June 2009.

George West was born on 18 September 1894. He was granted a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion Suffolk Regiment, Special Reserve of Officers, on 7 October 1914. Serving with the 1st Battalion on the Western Front, he was promoted to Lieutenant in October 1915, Captain in September 1916, and Temporary Major and an Acting Lieutenant-Colonel in December 1917. West relinquished his commission on 1 April 1920, and was granted the rank of Major. After the Great War, West was in India and Burma. He was employed in the Medical Service in Burma, being appointed Secretary of the General Hospital at Mandalay in February 1939. On 8 June 1930 he was granted a commission as a Lieutenant in the Upper Burma Battalion, Auxiliary Forces India. He attained the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in September 1938. On active service during the Second World War, he was mentioned in despatches for his services in Burma (London Gazette 19 September 1946). For his service in the Burma Auxiliary Force he was also awarded the Efficiency Decoration (Burma) though his award has not been traced in the Burma Gazette.

The Efficiency Decoration (Burma) to West is featured in The Efficiency Decoration, by J. M. A. Tamplin. Sold with copied research.