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Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
William West was born on the 3rd of January 1885 in Dorking, Surrey to gardener John William and Mary. He was baptised on 12th April 1885 at St Paul’s Church in Dorking. At the time of the baptism the family lived at Horsham Road.
William’s father John was born about 1852 in St Pancras, London. His mother Mary was born about 1848 in Beddington, Surrey. John and Mary married in about 1880. William had two siblings: Harry born about 1881 and Lucy born about 1883, both in Dorking.
At the time of the 1881 Census, the family lived at Orchard Road in Dorking. John William was working as a gardener and Mary was looking after baby Harry.
At the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived at Harrow Gate Gardens in Dorking.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at 9 Harrow Gate Gardens in Dorking. Mary was at home and their son William, like his father, was working as a gardener.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family lived at 2 Shermanbury Cottages, Harrow Road East in Dorking. John and William were still working as gardeners. Mary was at home. The accommodation had five rooms.
William West enlisted in Guildford, Surrey. He became part of the 1st Battalion the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment. He was a private with a regimental number G/4075. At the time of enlistment he resided in Dorking.
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William West disembarked on 12th May 1915 in France. He was killed in an action on 18th April 1916 in France.
William is buried at the Bethune Town Cemetery in France. His grave reference number is: III.H.11. His headstone bears an inscription: “Greater Love Hath no Man”. The inscription was commissioned by his brother Harry West of 5 New Road, Crouch End, N8, London.
William’s mother Mary received £7 and 4d on 1st July 1916 and his brother Harry and sister Lucy received £2 and 10s on 2nd February 1920 in Soldier’s Effects.
William West was awarded the British War and Victory medals and the 1915 Star.
| Born | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Lived | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Son of | John William and Mary West of Dorking | |
| Regiment | 1st Battalion, The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment) | |
| Number | G/4075 | |
| Date of Death | 18th April 1916 | |
| Place of Death | France | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in Action | |
| Age | 31 | |
| Cemetery | Bethune Town Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France |
