Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of five awarded to Private T. Oakley, 2nd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, later Royal Artillery, a veteran of Gallipoli who landed with the Battalion at dawn from the S.S. River Clyde at V Beach, Cape Helles, 25 April 1915

Military Medal, G.V.R. (8325 Pte. T. Oakley. 2/Hants: R.); 1914-15 Star (8325 Pte T. Oakley. Hamps: R.); British War and Victory Medals (8325 Pte. T. Oakley. Hamps. R.); Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial, with Second Award Bar (5493020. Sjt. T. Oatley. [sic] M.M. R.A.) mounted for wear, light contact marks, nearly very fine (5) £400-£500

M.M. London Gazette 11 November 1916.

Tom Oakley was born in East Cowes, Isle of Wight in 1890, and enlisted in the Hampshire Regiment at Winchester in January 1909. He served during the Great War with the 2nd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment in Gallipoli from 25 April 1915. On the latter date he landed with the Battalion at dawn from the S.S. River Clyde at Cape Helles - the Battalion landed on V Beach and suffered heavy casualties, many men were hit while wading ashore in shoulder deep water and many of the wounded were drowned. Three attempts to land were made by men of the Hampshires, Royal Dublin and Royal Munster Fusiliers all of which ended in costly failures. Six of the crew of the River Clyde were awarded the Victoria Cross for their bravery during the landing.

The Battalion was evacuated to Egypt in January 1916, and served in the French theatre of war from March 1916. The battalion served as part of the 88th Brigade, 29th Division on the Somme, July - November 1916. Oakley was discharged due to wounds, 21 May 1919 (entitled to Silver War Badge). He subsequently transferred to the Royal Artillery and was awarded the Efficiency Medal in August 1938, and the Second Award Bar whilst serving with the Royal Artillery (Coast) in September 1942. Oakley re-engaged as a Sergeant in the Royal Artillery for service during the Second War, 24 August 1939, and was discharged 25 May 1942. He died in the Frank James Hospital, East Cowes in October 1954.

Sold with the following original documents: Soldier’s Small Book; 2 Certificates of Discharge; The Royal Hampshire Regiment Comrades’ Association Membership Card and another for The Royal Artillery Association - Newport and Cowes Branch.