A Great War D.C.M. group of three awarded to Corporal W. Oakley, 26th (New Brunswick) Battalion...

(x) A Great War D.C.M. group of three awarded to Corporal W. Oakley, 26th (New Brunswick) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (405371 Cpl. W. Oakley. 26/Can: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (405371 Cpl. W. Oakley. 26-Can. Inf.), mounted as worn, together with his Silver War Badge (C54154), British Empire Service League Canadian Legion Honorary Officer Badge, the reverse engraved 'W. Oakley, D.C.M., Mount Dennis, Ont. 31.' and other Badges, good very fine (Lot)

D.C.M. London Gazette 26 January 1918:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his platoon was held up by machine-gun fire in an attack he rushed the gun with his section and captured it, killing the crew. He was badly wounded, but reorganised his section and handed them over to his platoon before leaving. He showed
splendid initiative and courage.'

William Oakley was born in England in 1893. He moved out to Toronto and went overseas in February 1916 with the 35th Battalion and thence transferred to the 26th (New Brunswick) Battalion. He was with them at Hill 70 on 17 August 1917, when he won his D.C.M. and was severely wounded for his troubles, losing an eye in the process. A letter written to him on 3 September 1917 states:

'...Every one of the boys were sorry to hear you had lost an eye but hope you'll soon get over some of the pain which the other must be causing you right now. Under the circumstances Billy, I think you came out of that very lucky; more so, as you were within 20 feet of that machine gun. The gent in question was lying by the side of his gun & either you or I must have put him out of business. I feel sure in my mind that you were the man that did it, &, both Mr Major & Mr Smith have given you the best recommendation of the bunch...I was awful sorry I could not do more to stop the bleeding & would have given the world to have been able to stay with you a while, but that next 'bay' was full of Fritz's & we had to get busy right away on them....171229 Jack.'

He underwent treatment at the West Cliff Canadian Eye & Ear Hospital and then Christie Street Hospital. Latterly employed by the York Township Welfare & Hydro Department, a keen pigeon racer, he on 1 July 1943, with issue of five daughters from his wife Nellie; sold together with relevant newspaper cuttings, letters (including the 6 page letter from Jack quoted above) and postcards.

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