Joseph Westley
Knight Commander of Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George
Distinguished Service Order
1914-15 Star
British War Medal 1914-20
Victory Medal 1914-19
MID oak leaf
Joseph Harold Stops Westley was born in Northampton in 1882. He joined the regiment as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1902 and was promoted Lieutenant in 1904, Captain in 1911 and Major in 1917. He served in the Boer War in operations in the Transvaal, from the 1 April to 31 May 1902.
Westley was promoted to serve as Adjutant to the 2nd City of London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers) in September 1911 to July 1915 and proceeded to France with it on 1 January 1915. He took part in the 2nd Battle of Ypres in May 1915 and was appointed Brigade Major to the 140th Infantry Brigade in July 1915. He was Mentioned in Despatches and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his actions at the Battle of Loos.
Westley was appointed Quarter Master General (QMG) to the 5th Division in February 1916 and was present at the Battles of the Somme and Arras. In September 1918 he was appointed QMG to the 59th Division with which he took part in the final advance prior to the Armistice. During this time he was again Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George.
Westley concluded his army service as the QMG at the British Base, Antwerp, January 1919 to 23 October 1919. Westley retired with rank of Lieutenant-Colonel on 2 April 1920. He died in 1959.
Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George
Victory Medal 1914-1919
War Medal 1914-1920