About the product

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Distinguished Conduct Medal, GV, 4048 Pte C. Oakes, 2nd Battalion Leicester Regiment. D.C.M. announced in the London Gazette 3rd June 1915: “For conspicuous gallantry from 10th to 12th March 1915…

Out of stock

Origin: United Kingdom
Nearly Extremely Fine

Description

Distinguished Conduct Medal, GV, 4048 Pte C. Oakes, 2nd Battalion Leicester Regiment.

 

D.C.M. announced in the London Gazette 3rd June 1915:

 

“For conspicuous gallantry from 10th to 12th March 1915, near Neuve Chapelle, when he displayed great courage and utmost devotion to duty in removing the wounded from the firing line to the aid post for three whole days, without rest and hardly any food. During this period he was constantly under fire.”

 

Charles Oakes was born during 1880, he first enlisted with the Leicester Regiment at the young age of 14 years & 4 months old, as a Musician on 21st April 1894. As a musician he was appointed Bandsman for his entire career with the official rank of Private.

 

Charles Oakes began the war in Karachi on 16th September 1914, arriving for service in Marseilles on 12th October 1914.

 

He disembarked at Alexandria on 17th November 1915 and having embarked again at Port Suez arrived for further service in Busra on 8th December 1915.

 

He then embarked for India for discharged on completion of his engagement on 20th May 1916.

 

he earned his Long Service & Good Conduct medal in the field during October 1914 in Army Order 412.

 

He entered into hospital on 16th December 1917 and was discharged dead from a Carbuncle in his neck on 7th January 1918 and is buried in Edmonton Cemetery, Middlesex.

 

His medals were applied for in 1921 by the Secretary of the Foundling Hospital.

 

A interesting letter to the Officer I/C of Records, 3rd Batt Leicester Regiment from Secretary of the Foundling Hospital during August 1921;

 

“Referring to my letter of the 14th ultimo, the Governors of this Hospital are proposing to erect a tombstone on the grave of the above named, and I shall be obliged if you will kindly forward me particulars of his record of service, decorations, etc., in order that they may be inscribed, yours Faithfully (hard to read name) Secretary.”