Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private W. F. Lakey, Army Air Corps, killed in action at Arnhem, 19 September 1944

1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45; together with the recipient’s Memorial Scroll, named ‘Private W. F. Lakey Army Air Corps’, this mounted in a glazed display frame, extremely fine (3) £200-240

William Frank Lakey, of Upper Holloway, London, served with the 10th Battalion, Parachute Regiment, Army Air Corps during the Second World War, and was killed in action at Arnhem on 19 September 1944, on the day that Captain L. E. Queripel, also of the 10th Battalion, was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross:
‘At Arnhem on 19th September 1944, Captain Queripel was acting as company commander of a composite company composed of men of three parachute battalions. At 1400 hours on that day, his company was advancing along a main road which ran on an embankment towards Arnhem. The advance was conducted under continuous machine gun fire which, at one period, became so heavy that the company became split on either side of the road and suffered considerable losses. Captain Queripel at once proceeded to reorganise his force, crossing and recrossing the road whilst doing so, under extremely heavy and accurate fire. During this period he carried a wounded sergeant to the Regimental Aid Post under fire and was himself wounded in the face. Having re-organised his force, Captain Queripel personally led a party of men against a strong point holding up the advance. This strong point consisted of a captured British anti-tank gun and two machine-guns. Despite the fire directed at him, Captain Queripel succeeded in killing the crews of the machine-guns and also recapturing the anti-tank gun. As a result of this the advance was able to continue. Later in the same day Captain Queripel found himself cut off with a small party of men and took up position in a ditch. By this time he had received further wounds in both arms. Regardless of his wounds and of the very heavy mortar and Spandau fire, he continued to inspire his men to resist with hand grenades, pistols and the few remaining rifles. As, however, the enemy pressure increased, Captain Queripel decided that it was impossible to hold the position any longer and ordered his men to withdraw. Despite their protests, he insisted on remaining behind to cover their withdrawal with his automatic pistol and a few remaining hand grenades. This was the last occasion on which he was seen. During the whole period of nine hours of confused and bitter fighting Captain Queripel displayed the highest standard of gallantry under the most difficult and trying circumstances. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty were magnificent and an inspiration to all.’ (London Gazette 1 February 1945).

Lakey is buried in Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Holland, alongside Captain Queripel.