237267 Sea. Robert West Royal Naval Reserve HMS Albemarle from:6 Beacon Terrace, Ferryden, Angus (d.31st March 1916) This is the story of how the tragedy of the death of an only son during the First World War started a link between two families which has lasted for over 100 years.
Robert West was the only son of Robert West, fisherman, of 6 Beacon Terrace, Ferryden, Angus. He joined the Royal Navy during the First World War and served in HMS Albemarle, a Duncan Class battleship. He was invalided ashore in Newport, Gwent and died in hospital there on 31st March 1916. His father visited him in hospital and was befriended by a Welsh family, Mr and Mrs Griffith. He attended the military funeral at St Woolos cemetery, Newport .
The West family in Ferryden kept in touch with the Griffith family in Newport and after their death with the next generation. Betsy Paton (nee West) sister of Robert West, continued to write every Christmas until her death in 1977.
In 1997, Daniel Paton, son of Betsy Paton (West) visited the grave of Robert West at Newport and noticed a poppy cross on the grave.
In 2001 Mrs Mary Bramley of Caerlon Gwent, niece of Mrs Griffith, wrote to the Montrose Review to enquire about surviving relatives of Robert West. Daniel Paton, who now lives in the house in Ferryden where Robert West lived, replied and the correspondence between the families resumed and continues over 100 years since Robert West died.
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