British War & Victory Medals named 203109 PTE C WAKELAM S STAFF R. Full entitlement.
Christie Wakelam born in Brewood, South Staffordshire enlisted into the 1/6th South Staffordshire Regiment numbered 203109 at Hednesford, Staffordshire. He landed in France with them and then sometime later transferred to the 2/7th Manchester Regiment numbered 295165 and then transferred to the 14th Tank Corps numbered 301822.
On the 8th Aug 1918 the 14th Battalion attacked the enemy near Villers Bretonneux (Battle of Amiens) with other battalions making over 415 tanks going into action. The attack was an overwhelming surprise due to the mist but later in the day the mist lifted and the German artillery were able to fire putting 100 tank out of action temporarily. By 6am next day over 7 1/2 miles had been gained with 16,000 prisoners and 200 guns captured.
Just on the 8th Aug 1918 the 14th battalion casualty list was 4 other ranks killed, 3 other ranks missing, 3 officers wounded and 14 other ranks wounded included Pte Wakelam. He was taken to a casualty station but died of his wounds on 11th Aug 1918 aged 20 years old. He was the son of Walley Heath & Alice Heafield Wakelam of 6, Court 10, Beaumaris Road, Newport, Salop.
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