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LIVES OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE
The E.J. Boys Archive

Uploaded 16th May 2012. New info added 12.2.2018.

IN PROGRESS — NOT FOR PUBLICATION

709, Private Luke OAKLEY — 11th Hussars

Birth & early life

Born at Yapton, near Arundel, Sussex, and baptised theren on the 27th of November 1814, one of five known children born to John and Sarah Oakley.

His father had married Sarah Cobby at Eastergate, Sussex, on the 27th of September 1802.

Two brothers also served in the 11th Hussars: 521, Frank Oakley, baptised at Walberton on the 10th of December 1809, and 535 Edward Oakley, baptised at Yapton on the 12 April 1812. The latter later served in the 3rd Light Dragoons. [RM: see also below.]

Enlistment

Enlisted at Maidstone on the 23rd of January 1832.

Age: 18 years 4 months.

Height: 5' 7".

Trade: Servant.

Appearance: Fresh complexion. Grey eyes. Brown hair.

Service

Embarked for India on the 1st of July 1834.



1841 Census

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1841 Census

Hounslow Barracks.

Frank Oakley, aged 30, Soldier, born out of county.

Luke Oakley, 25, Soldier, born out of county.

[PB: Ages were generally rounded to nearest 5 in the 1841 Census.]

1851 Census

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1851 Census

Pockthorpe Cavalry Barracks, Norwich.

Luke Oakley, aged 37, unmarried, Soldier, born Arundel, Sussex.

He was a Hospital Orderly during the whole of his service in the Crimea until sent to Scutari on the 27th of February 1855.

Invalided to England aboard the "Australia" on the 29th of March 1855.

3 Children?

The St. Catherine's House Army Chaplain's Baptismal Registers show three children born to him and his wife (name not shown): Frank, in Warwickshire in 1847, William John, at Hounslow in 1849, and Sarah at Sowe, Warwickshire, in 1851.

Discharge & pension

Discharged from Chatham Invalid Depot on the 30th of December 1856, as:

"Being considered unfit for further military service and upon the "Reduction of the Army." Suffers from the effects of chronic rheumatism and diarrhoea. Was invalided from the Crimea in March of 1855 as the result of exposure in the execution of his duties."

Served 24 years 290 days.

In Turkey and the Crimea: 1 year 9 months (sic). India 4 years 4 months.

Conduct:

"[H]is character has been very good. He is in the possession of five Good Conduct badges and is entitled to the medal for distinguished conduct in the field, with a most [?] deserving of such a Reward."

Medals

Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps for Alma, Balaclava, Inkerman, and Sebastopol, and the Turkish medal.

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

He was recommended for this on the 10th of January 1855, but it is not known under what circumstances.

A replacement D.C.M. was issued on the 18th of December 1856. His original medal was sent to the Crimea on the 26th of March 1855, but after being returned to the War Office, was sent to the regiment (then at Hounslow) on the 27th of August 1857.

Awarded the Long Service & Good Conduct medal on the 18th of August 1860. (This was long after he had left the Army.)

Aged 42 years 2 months on discharge.

Awarded a pension of 1/1d. per day.

Commemorations

Life after service



The marriage, in the St James Paddington, of Luke Oakley and Ann Fritchley, both of full age, 8 December 1858. His father is named as John Oakley, Coachman, and hers as [illeg] Fritchley, Shoemaker.

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Marriage registered

Luke Oakley married Ann Fritchley, December Quarter 1858, Kensington. [CP]

1861 Census

Easton, Portland.

Luke Oakley, aged 46, Civil Guard & Chelsea Pensioner, born Yapton.

Ann Oakley, 42, born Wirksworth.

1871 Census

North Street, Wirksworth.

The home of a Publican, William Ogden, and his family.

Luke Oakley, aged 57, Pensioner, brother-in-law, born Yapton.

Ann Oakley, 52, sister-in-law, born Wirksworth.

Death & burial

He died at St. Mary's Gate, Wirksworth, Derbyshire, on the 18th of February 1879, and was buried in the extension part of the St. Mary's churchyard. (There is a photograph of his gravestone in the 11th Hussar file.) His wife, Ann, was later buried in the same grave.

Death registered

Luke Oakley, aged 65, March Quarter 1879, Belper.

Extract from the Army and Navy Gazette, 27th of February 1879:

"The Derbyshire Advertiser pays tribute to the memory of an old soldier of the 11th Hussars who had served in India and the Crimea — Mr. Luke Oakley, who has just died at Wirksworth, greatly respected."





Photographs of Luke Oakley's headstone in Wirksworth, probably taken by EJB, 1980s?

(Click on image to enlarge)

The inscription on the (slate) headstone is as follows:

In loving remembrance of

LUKE OAKLEY

who was born at Yapton near Arundel, Sussex and died at Wirksworth, 18th Feb. 1879, aged 65 years.

He enlisted 20th Jany 1832 in the 11th Hussars, in which he served more than 24 years. He was 4 years in India. Also throughout the Crimean War. Was present at the following engagements, viz Alma Inkerman Balaclava and Sebastopol. For his gallant services he received the following decorations. Crimean medal with 4 clasps, also a Turkish Medal. Medal for Distinguished Conduct in the field, and the one for long service and good conduct. He also received five good conduct badges. On the 20th [sic] of October 1854, at the battle of Balaclava, he was appointed orderly to Doctor St. Croix Cross [sic].

By his comrades he was called the model of the regiment. He also served 14 years in the civil service, and was in receipt of pensions from both services.

To sum up in a few words, he was a genial, kindly, modest Englishman and a brave soldier.

Also Ann, his wife, who died on December 14th 1906 aged 88 years.

His will

In his will (Personal estate of under £200) he left everything to his wife, Ann. (See copy of his will in the "Memoirs" file. This was proved at Derby on the 14th of March 1879.)

From the High Peak News, 15th of March 1879:

"A Crimean Veteran

There has but very recently passed away in this town [Wirksworth] one of whom it is just more than a passing newspaper column mention is merited.

Mr. Luke Oakley, who, on the 18th of last month, answered his last roll-call, was born at Yapton, near Arundel, Sussex, and was greatly respected by all who were acquainted with him, therefore perhaps, a few particulars of his service may be of interest to our readers.

Mr. Oakley enlisted on the 30th of January 1832, when he was 18 years of age, into the 11th Hussars (Prince Albert's 0wn) and served in the same regiment for more than 24 years.

He saw four years' service in India, was with the regiment right through the Crimean War, and for his gallant service in the latter received the Crimean medal with four clasps (Sebastopol, Inkerman, Balaclava and the Alma) and also the Sultan's silver medal. Besides these decorations he also wore the medal given for distinguished service in the field and also one for long service and good conduct.

On the memorable 25th of October 1854 (the battle of Balaclava), Mr. Oakley had the good fortune to be appointed orderly to Doctor St. Croix Crosse; and thus escaped almost certain death in the charge of the Light Brigade, in which his regiment was almost entirely annihilated.

On his discharge from the Army the examplary character given him by his commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas, enabled him to easily obtain a position of trust in the Civil Service, which situation he filled to the great satisfaction of the authorities.

Whilst with his regiment, Mr. Oakley formed one of the escort to Prince Albert when he landed at Dover on his way to his marriage with the Queen. During his retirement he enjoyed pensions from both the Army and the Civil Service.

Great regrets were expressed by all who knew him when it became known that he was at long last gone to his resting place and the face of this hearty, cheery old soldier will be missed from amongst us for a long time. He was, to sum up in a few words, "A genial, kindly, modest Englishman, and also a brave soldier."

Further medal information archived.

Further information

Luke Oakley's mother and brothers

1851 Census

Address?

In the Census return for 1851 his mother, Sarah, was shown as being a widow, aged 60 years, and a "Postwoman". Two sons, James and John, both unmarried, were living with her.

Extract from the Derby Mercury, 26th March 1879. After repeating most of what had been in the High Peak News, the article added:

Mr Frank Oakley, of Melton Mowbray, is brother to Luke, and is also much respected as an old veteran. He too, belonged to the 11th Hussars, and with his brother formed part of the escort to receive Prince Albert on the occasion of his marriage with the Queen.

For eight years Frank served with his regiment in India, but in consequence of his long service (twenty-seven years) he was not sent out to the Crimea.

Another brother, Edward, was also a soldier: after serving eight years in India he sailed from that country with his two brothers for England. Returning again to India with the 3rd Light Dragoons he went through the toils and danger of the Sikh War, but died a short time before the 3rd came home.

It is worthy of note that the service of the three brothers represents seventy-eight years, and that Mr Frank Oakley has a son with General Roberts in the present Afghan War. The above tribute is given on the principal of "Honour to whom honour is due", and as a just tribute to the courage and soldierly qualities of the dead and living."

Frank Oakley, born at Yapton, Sussex, and also a groom by trade, had enlisted at Maidstone on the 6th of May 1828, aged 20 years. He was discharged from Newbridge Barracks, Ireland, on the 6th of November 1854, after 20 years 163 days service, of which 7 years 123 days was abroad.

Considered "unfit for further service as he suffers from "chronic rheumatism — which will affect his future employment as a groom". Conduct and character has been "very good — although was once tried by Court-martial (on the 12th of September 1838) for "Breaking out of barracks when confined thereto at 11 o'clock in the forenoon and not returning until about 11 o'clock the same night." Sentenced to 20 days' "solitary confinement." Now possesses six Good Conduct badges."

He was also entered 9 times in the Regimental Defaulters' book, his crimes ranging from "Unable to turn-out from the effects of liquor", "Absent all night", "Going to Hospital without permission, through excess". Almost all these charges led to "Liquor stoppage".

To live in Coventry, Warwickshire. His pension on discharge of 1/- per day was increased to 1/3d. on the 20th of March 1860.

Edward Oakley, a groom by trade, enlisted at Maidstone into the 11th Hussars on the 7th of January 1829 and transferred to the 3rd Light Dragoons on the 29th of February 1840 as No. 1156. A Corporal at this time, he joined the regiment at Kirnaul, India, on the 28th of January 1843.

According to the muster roll, he was a Sergeant at the time of his death at Wazirabad, India, on the 19th of July 1852. The India Office records show him as having died at Wazeerabad, India, aged 41 years, on the 19th of July 1852, and buried there on the 20th of July, the officiating priest being the Revd. J. Cave-Brown. His rank was then shown as "Sergeant-Major." (During the last four years the regiment served in India (1849-53), a total of 82 men and 1 officer of the 3rd Light Dragoons died of "sunstroke and heat exhaustion".)

There was no sale of his effects, the whole being handed over to his widow, Jane, "with the regiment". His accounts show some interesting details in that the debit side showed (amongst other things) a stoppage of 4/- as his subscription to "Cricket", £16 for a coffin, £2/8/- for a plate for the coffin, and £1 for digging the grave.

His wife (who had to make her mark) finally received the sum of £176/2/6d, which included money from the Regimental Savings Bank.

He was entitled to the Sutlej medal with clasps for Moodkee and Ferozeshuhur (wounded at the latter battle on the 21st of December 1845) and the Punjab medal with clasps for Chilianwala and Goojerat, serving in both campaigns as a Sergeant.)

His wife, Ann Oakley

1881 Census

St Mary's Gate, Wirksworth.

Ann Oakley, aged 62, Annuitant, widow, born Wirksworth.

1891 Census

St Mary's Gate, Wirksworth.

Ann Oakley, 72, living on her own means, born Wirksworth.

1901 Census

26, North Street, Wirksworth.

Ann Oakley, 82, sister in law, widow, born Wirksworth.

She was living with William Ogden, 66, and his wife Sarah, who were living on their own means.

Death registered

Ann Oakley, aged 88, December Quarter 1906, Belper.

Further information

[PB: In February 2018, R & A Alcock's British Medals were advertising medals to Luke Oakley on their website.]

BRITISH MEDALS CO UK — LUKE OAKLEY 11H

Crimea D.C.M. group with Balaklava, 11 Hussars. Whilst not a 'Charger' was one of 2 orderlies to Dr St. Croix attd 11th Hussars, at Balaklava, both of whom received the D.C.M.

[2 images]





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Item condition: E.F.

Our price: £9,500.00

Medal Description: D.C.M. (VR ) (11th Hussars — officially impressed), Crimea, 4 clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann, Sebastopol, (11th Dragoons, engraved), L.S.G.C. (VR- 709 11th Hussars), Turkish Crimea, Sardinian issue.

Luke Oakley

The circumstances behind the awards are uncertain though logically Oakley's and that to Sergeant Archer were awarded for the rescuing of and tending to the wounded at Balaklava.

His memorial at Wirksworth Church records 'In loving remembrance of Luke Oakley who was born at Yapton near Arundel Sussex and died at Wirksworth February 18th 1870 aged 65 years.

He enlisted 20th Jany 1832 in the11th Hussars in which he served more than 24 years.

He was 4 years in India also throughout the Crimean War, was present at the following engagements viz. Alma, Inkerman, Balaclava and Sebastopol.

For his gallant service he received the following decorations, Crimean Medal with 4 clasps also a Turkish Medal, Medal of distinguished conduct in the field, and the one for long service and good conduct.

He also received five good conduct badges.

On the 20th of October 1854 at the Battle of Balaclava he was appointed Orderly to Dr. St Croix Cross (Surgeon attached 11th Hussars at Balaklava).

By his comrades he was called the model of the Regiment.

He also served 14 years in the Civil Service and was in receipt of pensions from both services.

To sum up in a few words he was a genial, kindly, modest Englishman and a brave soldier also of Ann his wife who died December 14th 1906 aged 88 years."

Luke Oakley, enl. 11th Dragoons 1832 and served for 24 years.

His early service clearly accounting for his choice of regiment engraved on his Crimea as in 1840 they became the 11th Hussars.

His brothers Frank and Edward also served with the regiment having enlisted in 1828 and 1829 respectively.

He was recommended for the DCM in early 1855 though was not to receive his award until 1857.

His DCM was sent to the Crimea in March as Oakley was invalided to England.

The medal was returned to England and sent to the regiment in August 1857.

Small edge bruise to Crimea GVF , LSGC & DCM

[Source: british-medals.co.uk/british-medals/awards-gallantry-and-distinguished-service/crimea-dcm-group-balaklava-11-hussars-whil (accessed 11.2.2018).]

References & acknowledgements

Registrations of marriage and deaths, and Census information for 1851 — 1901 kindly provided by Chris Poole.


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