 | Little is known of Sgt West at this time.The ORB notes him as an observer and at one time crewed with F/LT Palmer and Sgt Buckley. His is also known to have been friends with Sgt. Jack Mingham, who was another observer, with P/O Collier (pilot) and Sgt Bill Powell, AG. In his diary, dated Thursday 9th of January 1941, Jack Mingham notes "Did a reco of Boulogne and took photos. No cloud cover but saw no fighters and only 2 puffs of flak. At night went to Havant with Charlie West to see "Irene". On March 25th, 1941, Sgt. West, F/L G.T. Palmer and Sgt D. Buckley in Blenheim TR-J were attacked by 2 ME109's. Sgt Buckley fired but was killed instantly when a cannon shell entered his turret... (view more) It appears that Palmer and West were non operational until 20/04/1941, when they flew a patrol in TR-A. He was crew with P/O Sandes during the Battle of Britain. |
(L-R) Sgt Mingham, Sgt Powell and Charlie West
Photo was kept by Muriel, the wife of Jack Mingham (sent in by Vikki Watmough)
Update June 2014: The following images were sent in by author Mark Hillier, who recently purchased the photo albums and medals of Sgt West. Thank you for taking the time to get in touch Mark, much appreciated.
(L-R) Ropey Palmer - skipper, Charlie West - observer - Unidentified at this stage but possibly Sgt Buckley-AG.
 | Awardee of the Battle of Britain Clasp - Although entitlement was revoked by the Air Ministry in 1960 (read more) |
If you have any information about Charlie West, please contact me, thank you.