The West family at war

Posted by Sheila Jelley - 10 years ago

Four of the West brothers went to war, and three came home.

John West and his wife Amelia had 13 children, ten of whom were born in Budleigh Salterton, but sadly two died when they were young. 

John had married Amelia Sanders on 11 November 1882 in Colaton Raleigh where their first child was born the following children were born in East Budleigh until Harry Percival was born in Budleigh Salterton in 1903 and a further two children, who died young, were born at 21 High Street, Budleigh Salterton.  In East Budleigh John was a labourer but after his move to Budleigh he worked as a van man for a grocer’s.

Gilbert Thomas West, who was born in 1892, served with the Royal Engineers at home during WW1. He had married Eva Woodgates in 1913 and they had one son born in 1914 in Jocelyn Road, Budleigh Salterton.  Gilbert died in 1923 in Kentisbeare, Devon.

William Henry West was born in 1894 was killed in action. His story is told here.

Frederick Charles West was born in 1895 and served with the Royal Engineers on active service. After the war, in 1919, he married Frances Eleanor Wilson in St Peter’s Church, Budleigh Salterton.  A daughter and son were born, and they were baptised in St Peter’s.  Frances was buried in St Peter’s Cemetery, Moor Lane, Budleigh Salterton in 1935.

Cecil Victor West was born in 1897 and served with the Wessex Cyclists on the Home Front. He was married in 1921 to Ethel Elizabeth Widdicombe and they had three daughters, all born in Budleigh Salterton.  The family stayed in the area.