Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John and Harriet West, and the husband of Minnie Florence West. The 1911 census records for 28, Heygate Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire. John West, head of the family and married for 32 years, a Groom, born 1849 in Cottingham, Northamptonshire and his wife Harriet, born 1851 in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, also Annie, daughter, single and a Corset Machinist, born 1884 in Hinwick, Bedfordshire, James, son, single and a Bricklayer, born 1887 in Spratton, Northants., and Alice Mary, daughter, single and a Corset Machinist, born 1893 in Market Harborough, Leics. The War Diary for today records. Before daybreak position was taken up about 1500/2000 yards in advance of present line, withdrawal eventually taking place through HAUT-ALLAINES on to HARDACOURT. Here position was taken up on high ground, whilst a Battalion of HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY went through us and counter attacked. Counter attack being stopped they withdrew to our position and we then marched through MARICOURT on to BRAY, where the remainder of the night was spent.