Victoria Cross and Medal Group of Air Commodore Frederick West

Acquisition of medal group including the Victoria Cross together with fifteen other Orders, Decorations and Medals awarded to Air Commodore Frederick ('Freddie') West. West won his VC while serving with the RFC/RAF during the First World War. He subsequently went on to serve as Air Attache in Switzerland during the Second World War. During this period some of his activities were concerned with Intelligence and aiding Allied aircrew who escaped to Switzerland. In addition to the VC and other medals, which include a number of foreign awards made in recognition of his service between 1939-45, the collection also comprised a small number of papers and photographs.