Jack Hilton West was working as a bottler at Walker’s Brewery when he enlisted in February 1916. He embarked in June the same year and served as a Private, later Corporal in the 34th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcements in France.
In March 1918 Jack was nominated for a Military Medal. The nominating officer stated:
Private West has set a fine example of endurance and courage to the men of the battalion frequently under the most trying conditions as a signaller and linesman. By his willingness and total disregard of danger he assisted in keeping communication throughout the battalion.
Jack returned to Australia in August 1919. In 1921 he married Nellie Valerie Gardiner; the couple had two boys, John and Don. Don served in WWII; he was killed in action in Bougainville in May 1945.
Jack’s name appears on the Holy Trinity Church Orange Honour Roll.
Jack’s brother Claude Bertie West also served in WWI; he died of wounds received in action in France in May 1917.
Leader, 23 February 1916, p. 2.
Presentation to Jack West
