Sydney was born in Leusdon, Widecombe in the Moor parish in January 1888 to parents Arthur West and Alice Stidson. Sydney, had two older sisters Ellen b 1873, and Eva Mary b 1879. He also had a younger brother Edward b 1890 and whose armed service is commemorated on the Leusdon Roll of Honour.

By 1901 the family had moved to Hannaford House in Widecombe parish where Sydney's parents were domestic servants. In 1902 after leaving Leusdon school Sydney left the family home and went to lodge and work in Torquay. Sydney lodged with the Cleave family in Torquay and worked with Mr Cleave as an under gardener.

In 1913 he married Blanche Knowles from Brixham. Not long after his marriage, Sydney, along with the Cleave family moved back to Widecombe parish when his employer, Mr T Struben (father of Leicester Struben k.i.a. 1916) bought Spitchwick Manor.

In 1915, prior to the introduction of conscription, Sydney enlisted in the Army and was posted to 6th Battalion Duke of Cornwall's light infantry. The 6th Battalion was a service battalion, and although available as a fighting force, was principally deployed in maintenance and repair of roads and trenches at the front, working alongside the Royal Engineers.

Details from the Regimental War Diaries for 28th February 1918 indicate that the 6th Battalion was disbanded and the men of the regiment allocated to other Battalions. Records show Pte 29634 West S.A. was transferred to A company 1/5th battalion Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry.

On 21 March 1918 the German Army launched a large-scale offensive against the Allied front on the Somme battlefield. The offensive on the Somme battle sector was codenamed Operation Michael. It was the first of several German large-scale attacks made against the Allied line on the northern part of the front in the spring of 1918.

The 1/5th Duke of Cornwall’s L.I. fighting in Hangard Wood, a position they held for 5 days until relieved by a large force of Australian Imperial Forces at the end of March.

The war diaries of the Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry for Sunday 31st March 1918 record that the battalion lost 4 officers and 30 other ranks killed, 14 officers and 139 other ranks wounded and 30 other ranks missing. Sydney Arthur West was amongst the 30 recorded as missing.

Red Cross records indicate he was taken prisoner during the first two days of April, and German POW records for Altdam camp record Sydney as a prisoner during April 1918. Translation of German Camp records record that Sydney died on a Hospital Train on 27th April 1918. It is not clear if he was travelling to or from the camp at the time of his death.

Altdam Prisoner of War Camp, Germany 1918

 

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