AIR COMMODORE FERDINAND MAURICE FELIX WEST VC CBE MC (19 JANUARY 1896 – 8 JULY 1988)

In an Armstrong Whitworth FK 8

West set off at dawn,

Along with his observer,

To search for the enemy

Through a hole in the mist

They spotted their concentration

Avoiding severe ground fire,

Almost immediately

They came under attack

From seven German fighters

West was hit in the leg,

And his radio was destroyed

Skilfully they fought them off

Unable to make home base

West landed behind Allied lines

But despite his injuries

And being in excruciating agony

He insisted on giving his report

Before receiving treatment

And he lost his leg