Private Ralph Edwin West

1. Sergeant (Army).
2. Private (Army).

Son of Mrs. Elizabeth Perry of 7023 Woodstock Avenue, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A.

Brother of Percy William West, #1069588.

This article comes from the Calgary Daily Herald, September 25th, 1918, edition:

RALPH WEST, WELL KNOWN ATHLETE, IS KILLED IN ACTION

Prominent Basketball Star Around Local "Y" Gives His Life at War

Canada's war toll continues to rob the country of its best men and Calgary atheletes are suffering acutely in the new drive on the western front, the latest hero to give up his life being Ralph West, one of the star basketball players of the city. He was at one time secretary of the boy's work department at the local branch of the Y.M.C.A. and enjoyed a wide acquaintance here. He was on the "Y" basketball team for many years and his work in the gymnasium was the feature of the league at the time. He also held the swimming championship of the Province.

The official notification of Pte. West's death in action, received by his mother, Mrs. W. P. Perry, of Rumsey, Alta., says that he fell on August 20. He went overseas with the 249th battalion and was transferred to the Mounted Rifles. His brother, Percy West, is also serving with the Canadians.

Private West left Calgary for Regina in 1916 and took up his position as boys' work secretary, having graduated from the Y.M.C.A. College at Chicago. He was 25 years of age and born in England. He went overseas as a sergeant and reverted in order to go to France.

Coming to Calgary 15 years ago, Private West attended the public schools and was always popular among the younger element. He identified himself in Y.M.C.A. work from an early age and was one of the most prominent figures in local atheletic circles. He was always considered a clean and upright sport, and news of his death will be keenly felt in this city.

Saskatchewan Virtual War Memorial