Jeffrey West

Jeffrey West was born in Palmerston North, New Zealand, on 30th October, 1912. He worked as a civil servant in Manawatu before joining the Royal New Zealand Airforce in May 1940.

On completion of his training he moved to England where he joined the Royal Air Force. He was posted to 616 Squadron where he learnt to fly a Spitfire.

West became a member of the team led by Douglas Bader and included pilots such as Johnnie Johnson and Hugh Dundas. Over the next few months he shot down several Luftwaffe aircraft.

In February 1942 was posted to Malta where he served with the 249 Squadron. Promoted to Squadron Leader he saw action in Egypt and Italy.

After the Second World War West returned to New Zealand where he worked as an accountant. Jefferey West died of a heart attack on 4th April 1998.