Private Percy John West

Percy John West was born at Devonport, Tasmania, on 28 May 1896 to Percy and Louisa née Weller. He was 18 years old when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 13 October 1914. At the time of enlistment, he gave his occupation as clerk. West embarked with the 15th Infantry Battalion at Melbourne aboard HMAT Ceramic on 22 December 1914. He proceeded to Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 with the 15th Infantry Battalion, which did not participate in the landing, and disembarked soon after midnight on 26 April. West remained at Gallipoli until he was admitted to a military hospital on Malta with stomach problems that turned into appendicitis on 1 July 1915. West left Malta, on board the ship Oxfordshire, on 29 August 1915 and was admitted first to King Georges Hospital in London on 5 September 1915, followed by 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield, England, on 25 September 1915.

West joined Headquarters at Salisbury Plains approximately ten months later before joining the overseas training brigade at Perham Downs. He was appointed Acting Corporal on 8 August 1917, and proceeded to France on 13 August 1917 via Southampton, England. West marched into the 4th Division Base Depot at Le Havre, France on 14 August 1917, where he reverted to the rank of private. He rejoined the 15th Battalion on 31 August 1917, the same day that this battalion marched to Arrewage, France.

West also played the cornet in the 15th Battalion Band during his time on active service.

He returned to Australia, thanks to his entitlement to “1914 leave”, aboard Port Lyttleton on 23 October 1918. Not much is known about West following his arrival back in Australia.

Percy West died in Tasmania on 15 April 1969.