CWGC headstone, personal inscription: 'At rest'
Nottingham Evening Post notice (abridged), 5 August 1916: 'Rifleman E Oakland, 47 Radcliffe Street, Nottingham, killed in action July 19th (sic) aged 20.'
In memoriam published 31st July 1916 in the Nottingham Evening Post :-
OAKLAND. – Killed in action, July 18th, Rifleman Ernest Oakland, aged 20 years (late postman, of Nottingham). Sleep on, dear son, your trials are o'er, your willing hands will toil no more; on earth there's strife, in heaven there's rest, but God does all things for the best. – Sorrowing mother, father, and Albert.
“OAKLAND. – Killed in action, July 18th, 1916, Rifleman Ernest Oakland. A bitter grief, a shock severe, no loved ones stood beside to hear his last farewell, no word of comfort could he have from one he loved so well. Till we meet again. – From his sorrowing fiancée Winnie.
“OAKLAND. – Killed in action, July 18th, 1916, Rifleman Ernest Oakland. He lived a noble life, and died a noble death. – Sorrowing brother Arthur and May.
“OAKLAND. – Killed in action, July 18th, 1916, Rifleman Ernest Oakland. We sadly miss our brother, who fought for England, home, and beauty, but comfort comes with that one thought, he did not shirk his duty. – From Mabel, John, Cassie and Bert, and baby Winnie.”
courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 18 July 1917: ‘Oakland. In loving memory of our dear son, Rifleman Ernest Oakland, Post Office Rifles, late postman of Nottingham, killed in action July 18th, 1916. Peace perfect peace, with our loved one far away, in Jesu’s keeping he is safe. Sadly missed by dad, man, and fiancee.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 18 July 1917: ‘Oakland. In loving memory of our dear brother, Rifleman Ernest Oakland, killed in action July 18th, 1916. A loving brother, true and kind, he was to us in heart and mind; he always tried to do his best, and now he has gone to take his rest. From his sorrowing brothers and sisters.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Registers of Soldiers' Effects: His father, Edgar Oakland, was his legatee.
Probate: Oakland Rebecca of 61 Maud Street Nottingham (wife of Edgar Oakland) died 9 August 1960 at City Hospital Nottingham Probate Nottingham 19 September to Harold Bertram Holbrook [son-in-law] schoolmaster. Effects £129 15s. 5d.
Information compiled by Peter Foster.