Ernest Oakland

Ernest was the son of Edgar Oakland and Rebecca Oakland nee Tebbs. His father, Edgar, was born in Nottingham (birth registered J/F/M Nottingham) and his mother, Rebecca, in Ripley, Derbyshire ( birth registered O/N/D Belper). They were married in Nottingham in 1892 and had five children: Arthur (birth registered 1892 O/N/D), Mabel Ellen (birth registered 1894 O/N/D), Ernest (birth registered 1895 O/N/D), Edith Cassie (b. 27 January 1897) and Albert Edward (b. 10 December 1902). All the children were born in Nottingham. In 1901 Edgar (28) and Rebecca (27) were living at 71 Radcliffe Street, Meadows. Edgar was a coal merchant on his own account. By this time they had four children; Arthur (8), Mabel (6), Ernest (5) and Edith (4). Also in the household was a boarder, Reuben Backham (21), a plumber. The family was still living at the same address in 1911. Edgar was now working as a furniture and carter on his own account, Arthur (18) was a greengrocer's assistant, Mabel (16) a hosiery finisher, Ernest (16) a telegraph messenger, Edith (14) a hosiery runner-on, and the youngest child, Albert Edward (8) was still at school. Ernest's service record (November 1914) gives his parents address as 61 Radcliffe Street, Meadows, but the family was living at 47 Radcliffe Street by the time his brother Arthur attested in 1915. Ernest was engaged to Winnie at the time of his death in July 1916. Rebecca Oakland died in the City Hospital, Nottingham, on 9 August 1960 aged 86; at the time of her death she was living at 61 Maud Street, Nottingham. Edgar married Ethel E Clarke the same year (marriage registered J/A/S Nottingham) and died on 30 September 1961 aged 88. Of Ernest's siblings: Arthur also served in the Great War, attesting in March 1915 when he was still living with his parents at 47 Radcliffe Street. He gave his occupation as fishmonger although his service record also describes him as having been four years in the greengrocery trade. Arthur served with the ASC (M/377157), attached to the 1st Northern Coast Battery RFA, but was discharged on 12 May 1916 'having been found no longer physically fit for war service IAW Para 392 XVI KR.' He was suffering from phthisis which was not related to war service. He had served for 1 year 50 days. Although his service record does not include details of a spouse there is a record of an Arthur Oakland marrying a Mabel Beatrice Poyzer in 1915 (marriage registered A/M/J Nottingham). No record has yet been found of Arthur's death, but the marriage of a Mabel Beatrice Oakland to William H Meakin was registered in Nottingham in 1919 (A/M/J). Mabel Ellen married John Haslam in 1914 (marriage registered O/N/D Nottingham) and died aged 72 on 21 October 1966. Edith Cassie married Harold Bertram Holbrook in 1920 (marriage registered J/A/S Nottingham) and died aged 99 on 24 October 1996. Harold had died on 21 January 1982, address 21 Mansfield Court, Mansfield Road, Nottingham. Albert Edward married Kathleen E Wheatley in 1925 (marriage registered J/A/S Nottingham) and died aged 94 on 24 November 1997.

Ernest Oakland was a telegraph messenger in 1911. He was appointed an assistant postman with the Post Office in January 1912 and gave his occupation as postman when he attested in 1914.

61 Radcliffe Street, Meadows (Nov 1914). Enlisted London.

Ernest attested on 6 November 1914 (R6513 King's Royal Rifles) at the age of 19 years 3 days, but was discharged six days later on 11 November 1914 as 'under standard [chest measurement] IAW para 392 (iii)c King's Regulations).' However, he was called up for service later and enlisted in London in the Post Office Rifles. Following training he was drafted to France and was killed in action near the village of Souchez on 18 July 1916. He is buried in the Zouave Valley Cemetery, Souchez. He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

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.