| Date | 8 November 1918 |
|---|---|
| Source | The London Gazette of 8 Nov 1918, Num. 30999, p. 13199 |
| Reference | WW1-0015 |
| Volume | First World War |
| Collection | Victoria Cross Recipients |
Whilst engaging hostile troops at a low altitude far over the enemy lines, he was attacked by seven aircraft. Early in the engagement, one of his legs was partially severed by an explosive bullet, rendering the machine temporarily unmanageable. Despite his severe injuries, he regained control of the machine and skillfully manoeuvred it, allowing his observer to drive away the enemy aircraft. He then brought the aircraft over friendly lines and landed safely, fainting from exhaustion but insisting on writing his report upon regaining consciousness.
Extract from The London Gazette
| Name: | Air Commodore Ferdinand Maurice Felix West VC CBE MC |
| Born: | 19 Jan 1896; Paddington, London. |
| Died: | 8 Jul 1988; Princess Margaret Hospital, Windsor. |
| Buried: | Holy Trinity Churchyard, Sunningdale. |
| Unit: | No 8 Squadron, Royal Air Force |
| Date of Action: | 10 Aug 1918 |
| Place: | North-east of Roye, France |
| Rank: | Acting Captain |
| Gazetted: | The London Gazette of 8 Nov 1918, Num. 30999, p. 13199 |
| VC No: | 1028 [to be checked] |
| Presented: | 1 March 1919 by King George V at Buckingham Palace. |
| Displayed: | Imperial War Museum, London |
| References: | [43] [44] |
| Connection: | Lived Devonish Road, Sunningdale. |
| Awards: | Commander of the British Empire (1945 Mil Div) Military Cross (1918) 1914 – 15 Star British War Medal (1914 – 20) Victory Medal (1914 – 19) Defence Medal (1939 – 45) War Medal (1939 – 45) Jubilee Medal 1935 Coronation Medal 1937 Coronation Medal 1953 Jubilee Medal 1977 Chevalier, Légion d’Honneur (France) Knight of the Order of The Crown (Italy) Commander of the Order of The Crown (Italy) Commander, Order of Orange-Nassau (The Netherlands) |
| Notes: | Read more in “Hero of the Month – Nov 2018” by Lord Ashcroft. |