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Memorial plaque and First World War medal for Lt

Currency:GBP Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:0.00 GBP Estimated At:150.00 - 200.00 GBP
Memorial plaque and First World War medal for Lt
Condition Grading

Please note that condition ratings are subjective. We are pleased to provide a condition report on any lot but buyers are reminded that all lots are sold ‘as is’ and should be viewed personally by you or a professional advisor before sale to assess its condition.
CONDITION A: Fine Condition – Colours are bright and defects are minor. They may have slight creases, blemishes, nicks or folds but nothing significant.
CONDITION B: Good Condition – There may be some tears and or p
Memorial plaque and First World War medal for Lt Reginald William Kennedy Oakley, with letters and other ephemera including a photograph of the lieutenant and grant of probate confirming that he was killed in action at Ovillers La Boisville on the Somme on 1st July 1916. The family home was Holmhurst, York Rd., Guildford and before joining the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry he had worked for the Surrey Advertiser in the editorial department. The correspondence is extensive and mostly with his parents between 1914 and his death aged 23 in 1916. He was stationed initially in UK and subsequently in India (1915 ). A letter dated 7th February 1915 refers to living conditions in tents 15' x 12' for 12 men and equipment, and to an east Surrey man eaten by a crocodile. Although clearly apprehensive he writes that he is keen to go to the front a wish that was fulfilled in about May 2016. There is a handwritten report of his death (possibly written by his father) including the following; "Reg went in to the trenches again on June 29th... and was in the front line trench and sent a field post-card to say he was well." The details of his death were gleaned from three men who were later seen in hospital in Guildford. One said that "he and two or three other officers who had newly arrived were not really intended to take part in the attack on 1st July, but several of the officers with the battalion fell out and the newcomers volunteered to take their places," "The advance began at 7.30 opposite Orvillers la Boiselle near Sevant. 500 yards separated the British and German line. Punctually to time the men leaped over the parapet and were at once met with a hail of machine gun bullets and shrapnel. (Lance corporal) Orledge was shot through the leg at once and fell. While he was on the ground a shrapnel shell burst near him and he received two more wounds in both arms. He did not see any more of Reg but he was told afterwards that of C coy only one man came back unwounded. All the officers were he was told killed and he believes that Reg must have met his death by machine gun fire. The German front line was reached and was found to be full of Germans who fought like demons." "... only a few came back unwounded... we hadn't a chance from the first."