W.J.WAKEFIELD B.R.C.S. & O.ST.J.J. (on 1914 Star)
214 WILLIAM WAKEFIELD (engraved on BRCS Medallion)
W.WAKEFIELD 1913 (engraved on 'Proficiency in Red Cross Work' BRCS Medallion)
William James Wakefield
Born Cheltenham, Gloucestershire 13/5/1866
He lived in Charlton Kings for many years & was an original member of the Lilley Brook Detachment of the British Red Cross Society
To France 1/10/14 at the age of 58 & served as an Orderly with the Red Cross at Paris Unit No.1
Note: 'BRCS No.1' was established at Hotel Astoria on the Champs-Elysees, Paris from September 1914 to February 1915. The BRCS Medal Roll reveals that a total of just 64 Medical Officers, Dressers & Orderlies qualified for the 1914 Star with this small Red Cross unit
Promoted to Serjeant-Major
Mentioned in Despatches by Sir Douglas Haig for 'distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty' MID LG 4/1/17
Returned to the UK 15/10/19
In 1939 he was in 'Private Service' as a Gardener working at Ravensworth, Thirlestaine Road, Cheltenham for Sir Francis Colchester-Weymss, the former High Sheriff of Gloucestershire
Died at 36 Granley Road, Cheltenham 26/10/40
Comes with his BRCS Cap Badge & 2 BRCS Medallions,
With copy of his MIC, Medal Rolls, BRCS Card, London Gazette entry, a 6 page Digital File of Paris Unit No.1's 1914 Star Roll, plus his Newspaper Obituary & supporting research documentation
Condition: BRCS Medallion ribbon very frayed & Cap Badge lacks one blade, otherwise all GVF
