Born in 1887 at Woodford, son of Frank (Bricklayers Labourer) and Emma Jane Oakley. 1891: With his family at 3 Ray Lodge Road, Woodford Green. 1901: An Errand Boy, still with his parents at 3 Ray Lodge Road. 1911: A General Labourer with his mother and siblings at 57 Ray Lodge Road. On 20th July 1912 he married Ellen Clara Burling at Bobbingworth Parish Church, and their home was at 18 West Grove, Woodford Green.
He enlisted on 10th December 1915, giving his occupation as a General Labourer in the Munitions Industry, and disclosing Territorial Army Service with 4 Essex Regiment. It looked as though he was going to serve with 14 Royal Fusiliers, but like his Brother he was destined for 6 Royal West Kents. Whether that was by his personal request or a co-incidence in the needs of the military is not known.
He embarked on 14th September 1916 and joined the Battalion at the Somme during 29th September 1916, nearly three months after his Brother had been killed. His stay at the front would be short.
On 7th October 1916, 12 Division (including 6 Royal West Kents) attacked Bayonet and Rainbow Trenches in the area of Gueudecourt, during which the attackers faced heavy German machine gun fire. The day was not without cost. Stanley Oakley was initially posted “Missing”, reclassed “Killed in Action” when his body was subsequently recovered.
His wife was to ask for his personal effects, a photograph of his grave, and details of where he was found.
X/R: Private Henry John Oakley (Brother)
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Sources:
Ancestry.com
FindmyPast.co.uk