Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine posthumous Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. and Bar group of three awarded to Captain C. H. Oakley, 1/22nd Battalion, London Regiment, who was mortally wounded on 2 September 1918

Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (Capt.); together with memorial plaque (Christopher Herbert Oakley) cleaned and laquered, otherwise nearly extremely fine (4) £2500-3000

M.C. London Gazette 24 September 1918. The following is extracted from the original recommendation for the award of the M.C. which is included with the lot: ‘For most conspicuous gallantry on the night of 17th June 1918, west of Albert, when this officer was in charge of a raiding party. The attack on the left flank was held up by hostile rifle and machine-gun fire. He went forward under heavy fire and coolly reorganised the attacking party with a view to rushing the posts. On receiving information from the right flank that the objective of the raid had been gained, he skilfully withdrew the party. The entire success of the operation was due to his careful preparation beforehand and skillful leading during the operation.’

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 11 January 1919. The following is extracted from the original recommendation for the award of the Bar to the M.C. which is included with the lot: ‘For most conspicuous gallantry and ability on 22nd and 23rd August 1918, during an attack south of Albert. This officer led his company with the utmost skill and daring through a heavy enemy H.E. and machine-gun barrage to their objective, a chalk pit, which he captured unaided in spite of the fact that the tanks detailed to assist in its capture did not arrive. Later in the day the troops on the left were driven back by an enemy counter-attack and his left flank was exposed. He immediately formed a defensive flank with his support platoon and two other platoons. Although at one time his company was nearly surrounded he continued to hold out in spite of most intense enemy enfilade machine-gun fire until reinforcements arrived on the left flank.’

Christopher Herbert Oakley was mortally wounded on 2 September 1918 near Moislans, France and died later that same day, whilst serving with the 1/22nd Battalion, London Regiment. He is buried in Peronne Road Cemetery, Maricourt, Somme, France. Private Jack Harvey, also of the 22nd London’s gained the award of the V.C. for gallantry in action later that same day.

The following extract from a letter written by his commanding officer was published in the Surbiton Times, 27 September 1918: ‘Captain Oakley was killed on September 2nd, having been hit by a bullet at 5:30am., just as his company was advancing to attack. He was conscious for about an hour and died three hours afterwards, while on his way to a casualty clearing station. He had done extremely well in the recent fighting, especially on July 22nd, when his prompt action very much affected the whole course of the operations of the Division. For this he has been recommended for a high award. In reply to an enemy counter-attack, which was made by flanking troops, he formed an advancing flank and thereby enabled the position to be held. He was an ideal soldier - quick, alert, the embodiment of youthful joy and activity. He is sincerely mourned by all ranks.’

Sold with the following original documentation: illuminated memorial scroll; transmission slip for British War and Victory Medals; detailed typed recommendations for the award of both the Military Cross and bar; two illuminated pages from Army Orders announcing the award of his M.C. and bar; congratulatory certificate from General Sir H.S. Rawlinson, Commanding Fourth Army on the award of M.C.; and a quantity of copied research detail.