A US Navy veteran who was buried in unconsecrated grounds will soon be honoured like a true war hero.

Scotland native William Oakley died aged 62, in 1918, in Wivenhoe, where he grew up.

Despite being awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, for his role in the Spanish-American War for the cutting of the cable, his remains lay in an unmarked grave at Wivenhoe cemetery.

But now Chris Singleton, of Wivenhoe Town Council, wants to turn this injustice around and has gained the committee’s vote to set up a task and finish group to facilitate an official military ceremony.

He said: “The Congressional Medal of Honor is the equivalent to getting the Victoria Cross - it’s an incredible feat.

“It turns out William came back to Wivenhoe and died here but was apparently buried in a pauper’s grave.

“If that’s true, that’s really sad.

“We have an opportunity to write some of those wrongs and give him the dignity he deserved.”

Gazette:

A headstone has already been made and will be ready for unveiling by next year.

A military ceremony for the Gunner’s Mate Second Class is due to take place in the spring.

The headstone is currently in storage and was funded by the US Government.

The US Air Force in Suffolk has offered a project manager to lead the ceremony, and the chairman of the Wivenhoe Royal British Legion is also supporting the initiative.

Mr Singleton, who is a retired Squadron Commander with the Royal Air Force, said: “Volunteer researchers have helped us put together part of a family tree to find William’s descendants, some of whom still live in Wivenhoe.

“They are also in Canada and New Zealand - so far and wide.

“The honour was granted by the US President.

“Then we found out from the Census that in 1911, he was still in New York, and then there is a big gap until he died in Wivenhoe.

“He lived in Queen’s Road, but I’m not sure which house.”

Gazette:

Online records offer some information about William such as the exact citation of his honour.

It reads: “...for extraordinary heroism in action on board the USS Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898.

“Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Gunner’s Mate Second Class Oakley displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this period.”

It is hoped there will have a fuller picture of Mr Oakley’s heroism by the time his ceremony is held.

Until now, only a single wooden cross has stood at his grave.

Mr Singleton added: “It’s about getting him the recognition he deserves and if we can right that almost 100 years later, that would be a really good outcome.

“It’s such a feel good story and quite a lot of residents are geared up and ready to get involved.”