Birth 1884, Pulborough, Sussex
Parents William & Annie Oakley
Residence Cutpound, Hants
Occupation  
Enlisted Winchester, Hants
Regiment 1st Battalion Hampshire Regiment 
Regimental No: 5809  
Rank Private  
Service Record  
Death 12th May 1915, killed in action, age 31
Theatre of War France & Flanders
Commemoration Sanctuary Wood Cemetery
Medals 1914-15 Star, Victory Medal, British War Medal
James Oakley was born in Pulborough, Sussex, in 1884. He was the son of William and Annie Oakley. He married Mary Cooke in 1910 and the couple set up home in two rooms in London Road, Holybourne, near Alton. In the 1911 Census he is described as a farm labourer.
James enlisted in Winchester with the 1st Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, as 5809 Private James Oakley.
He was killed in action while taking part in the 2nd Battle of Ypres on 12th May, 1915, aged 31 years. A few days before he died he wrote to his wife giving a graphic account of a gallant stand made by his regiment and concluded with this sad farewell:
When you see the names and numbers of men we lost read them with pride, for they died like men and never flinched. So cheer up again and again, and if I should fall you will have the satisfaction of knowing I have done my duty and my best to keep the Huns from your home and let you live in decency.
He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, as well as the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. He is laid to rest in Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, near Ypres, Belgium, Grave V.N.18.
Private Oakley is also commemorated on the Holybourne War Memorial.
No doubt he is on the Froyle Memorial because his parents were still living in the village. I wonder if Mary was actually living with them at the time of his death, as the parish magazine offers its condolences as if she were a resident:

James Oakley was killed in the trenches a few weeks ago. R.I.P. We offer our sincere sympathy to Mrs Oakley and her three little children in their great sorrow.

The Second Battle of Ypres is generally remembered today as marking the first use of gas on the Western Front. Losses during the battle are estimated at 59,000 British troops, along with 10,000 French, against 35,000 German. This difference in numbers is explained by the Germans use of chlorine gas. This use of gas set the trend for the rest of the war.
This moving message for James was left in the visitors book at Sanctuary Wood Cemetery by a Froyle resident in September 2014:
James Oakley, thank you. Your wife received your last letter.
We will remember you.