Memorial Plaque to West, 5th Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, KIA Gallipoli
named to "Robert Edgar West".
He served with the "5th Battalion - Dorsetshire Regiment" as 12306, Rank of Lance Corporal. He was born in 1887 in St Sampson's Parish, Guernsey, Channel Islands. His occupation was a Lamplighter and left a widow in Weymouth, Dorset. His service papers exist in the burnt documents series.
Initially reported missing, He was presumed killed on August 21st, 1915 during the Gallipoli - Suvla Offensive - 1915, more details below for the 5th Battalion.
He is commemorated on the "Helles Memorial".
Condition is fair except for the two drilled mounting holes and has verdigris spots.
History:- 20 August 1915.
Arrival of turks bearing white flags and requesting truce so as wounded and dead could be collected. Temporary armistice arranged. Moved into trenches on right of Dead Mans House during evening.
21 August 1915.
Attacked 3pm. B & C Cos leading with A and D following 50 yards behind. Covered 500 yards of open ground under heavy fire, first enemy trench taken and enemy retired to support line. Second line attacked but heavy fire from left flank forced withdrawal to captured first line.
22 August 1915.
In the morning those whohad not alreadt retired realised the hopleseness of hanging on any longer and began to fall back. Withdrawal was under heavy shrapnel fire and high casualties.
Also records loss of Maj Leslie & 2/Lt George killed. Cpts Vincent and Gregory, Lts. Bowler & Higgins wnd., Cpt Moody & Lt Montgomery missing (both killed), Only 2 officers were found surviving. Remnants of Btn collected and strength that evening recorded as about 280. opening strength recorded as 650.
There were 122 fatal casualties on 21st August, of which 99 were listed as "or since" and 1 "or about". I guess that the fighting was so confused that for the majority of cases it was impossible to be certain exactly when a man met his end.
