Tribute To A Fallen Hero
by Lindsey Askin.
Date: 30 May 2013
On the 7th of May personnel from 8 Squadron RAF Waddington along with members the Victoria Cross Trust lead a community clean-up project at the Holy Trinity Church in Sunningdale near Windsor, the final resting place of ex-8 Squadron pilot and Victoria Cross hero Air Commodore Ferdinand Maurice Felix West VC, and also restore CWGC graves in the surrounding graveyard.
Air Commodore West VC was a 22 year old pilot on 8 Squadron flying a reconnaissance mission on an Armstrong Whitworth FK8 when in 1918 he came under heavy fire from German fighter aircraft sustaining an injury so bad he had to have his left leg amputated.
Upon landing behind Allied lines, the then Captain West insisted on reporting his findings from the mission despite being in excruciating pain.
Air Commodore West VC died in 1988 and was buried at Holy Trinity Church, Sunningdale, Windsor. Sadly, over the years his grave had fallen in to a state of disrepair which is not uncommon for Victoria Cross burial plots.
Highly Imposing Figure
Participating in the grave restoration is Officer Commanding 8 Squadron, Wing Commander Jim Beldon, who said:
“Air Commodore Freddie West VC remains a highly imposing figure on 8 Squadron to this day. We are exceptionally proud of his legacy: he was the first RAF airman to be awarded the VC following the RAF’s formation in 1918, and his example of selfless bravery and determination have few equals even in the hallowed pantheon of Victoria Cross winners. It is the very least we can do to visit his final resting place and, along with the Victoria Cross Trust, restore his grave to a standard befitting this most remarkable airman’s service.”
Gary Stapleton, Victoria Cross Trust chairman said:
“We are eternally grateful to those who see the continued memory of our military heroes as a priority, and who wish to help us preserve their final resting place in a state of utmost respect”
Joining 8 Squadron personnel was the Trust-appointed mason and restorer. Led by 8 Squadron personnel, the two-day project rounded up with a re-dedication service to Air Commodore Ferdinand West VC to pay final tribute to one of their own as the newly restored memorial grave was unveiled.
Only the graves of the servicemen that have been awarded the military honour who died on the battlefield during the First and Second World War are looked after by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, otherwise it is the responsibility of the living relatives.
