Biography of Kenneth James West

Biography of Kenneth James West

Kenneth James West grew up in Birmingham. He enlisted in the RAF and trained as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. After postings across the UK, he joined 97 Squadron at RAF Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire. His Lancaster W4135 was shot down over Holland during an operation to Düsseldorf. Two crew members were killed; West and the others survived, evading capture for several days before becoming prisoners of war. He was held at Dulag Luft and then Stalag VIIIB/344 Lamsdorf enduring harsh conditions and enduring the Long March through Poland and Germany in extreme winter, covering over 700 miles. He was eventually liberated by US forces. After the war, West found it difficult to settle, eventually working as a clerk and raising a family in Birmingham.

2017

115 printed pages

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