rdarby wrote: Yes that is the one. I can’t remember getting it from DNW but it’s the same so must have. Getting old!
Hello Ryan
You may not have bought the medals from Noonans, these medals and the accompanying family story have been doing the rounds in the auction houses since 2015. There was a considerable amount of papers and letters along with his nephew's (Jack Monk)medals plus a photograph of West / Moore and a chocolate tin with the original sale in Cirencester 2015. There were various write ups in Antique and coin publications, also, a Telegraph article carried the same family story. George Gill West was a brilliant young man from a poor family who deserted Dartmouth Naval college due to red tape regarding his officers training.
There was a reference to him working for De Beers diamond mine in Kimberley where he supposedly fitted the first electric lights system in the mine.
I couldn't find a J Moore who sailed to South Africa who was an electrician by trade. Miner, Butcher, Clerk, Farmer I did manage to locate. Also there is a entry on Ancestry which records a George Gill West : -
Name:George Gill West
Death Date:1901Volume:6/9/425
Reference:1277
Source:Master's Office / Orphan Chamber, Cape Town (MOOC)Source location:National Archives, Cape Town (KAB)
I was hoping my learned colleagues on the forum may be able to shine a light on this subject. There must be some archive news reports in S A pertaining to this potential V C recommendation? Perhaps Berenice might be able to help with the UK paper archives? I guess you could try the National Archives, ref the Marine Artillery link or an email to Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth, they may have archive information to help you in your quest.
Dave......
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
Best regards,
Dave
