An outstanding ‘Epehy, September 1918’ D.C.M. and M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant C. F. West, 7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, who, when driven back by heavy machine-gun fire, ‘collected five men, followed one of our Tanks closely, and rushed a machine-gun post on the outskirts of the village, killing the team of six men and capturing two machine-guns.’
Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (G/3147 Sjt. C. F: West. 7/R. Suss: R.) small official correction to unit; Military Medal, G.V.R. (G-3147 Sjt. C. F. West D.C.M. 7/R. Suss: R.) 1914-15 Star (G-3147 Pte C. F. West, R. Suss. R.); British War and Victory Medals (G-3147 Pte C. F. West. R. Suss. R.) mounted on card for display, light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (5) £1,800-£2,200

D.C.M. London Gazette 12 March 1919; citation published 2 December 1919:

‘For most conspicuous gallantry near Epehy on 18th September, 1918. When the battalion was held up and driven back by severe machine-gun fire, he, on his own initiative, collected five men,, followed one of our Tanks closely, and rushed a machine-gun post on the outskirts of the village, killing the team of six men and capturing two machine-guns. Owing to the heavy fire from other strong points in the village, he was unable to rejoin his company, but held this post for eight hours until the village had been mopped up. He did fine work.’

M.M. London Gazette 23 July 1919.

Charles Frederick West was a native of Arundel, West Sussex, and served in France with the Royal Sussex Regiment from 31 August 1915. In the attack on the village of Epehy on 18 September, 1918, the war Diary records that ‘The Battalion attacked at dawn. Very heavy M.G. fire owing to Epehy not being mopped up by the troops in front. Alpine Corps fought hard for the village. Our casualties about 200 OR.‘ In addition five officers were killed and eight wounded.

Sold with copied research including Battalion War Diary for September 1918.