Henry Augustus West

He was born in London in 1806 and studied at the Royal Academy, Woolwich. He was commissioned as an Ensign in the 12th Regiment of Foot Guards in 1825 and spent the first 3 years of his service in Gibraltar. On his return he was promoted to Lieutenant and posted to Ireland, being stationed at Kilkenny on the Recuiting Staff. Here he met and married Elizabeth Denne Pitcairn in 1832. He served another tour of duty in Gibraltar from 1832 to 1834 before returning to Ireland. In 1836 his youngest child Pelham was born but died shortly after - he is buried in St Mary's Churchyard in the tomb of the Leech family. Henry died in Cork in 1837 of exhaustion following a severe bout of Gibraltar Fever.

Constance Pitcairn in her book 'History Of The Fife Pitcairns' describes him as a 'very loveable man, much liked by his brother officers, an excellent draughtsman.' She also mentions that he published a book of his sketches in Gibraltar.

He is buried in Christ Church, Cork. A tablet on the south gallery wall bears the following inscription:

'"Sacred to the memory of Lt Henry Augustus West 12th Est Suffolk Regt of Infantry, Son of Lt Col. C. A. West Lt Governor of Landguard Fort who died in Cork May 6th 1837 in his 30th year of his age this monument was erected by his brother officers as a testimony of their esteem and regard not only for high professional attainments but undeviating integrity and unsullied worth"