IN the Nostalgia pages on August 30 we took a look at the Oakley Hall in Castle St, which was built in memory of the Rev Roland Oakley. Reader Harry Holloway has written a short biography of the Rev Oakley, which he has kindly allowed to be reproduced here.

The Reverend Roland Edward George Oakley was born July 28, 1868 at Canonbury, London, where his father was the Vicar at St. George’s, Hoxton.

Mr. Oakley obtained the degree of B.A. at St. John’s College, Oxford, in 1892, and that of M.A. in 1897. He was ordained by the Bishop of Rochester as Deacon in 1892 and Priest in 1893.

His first charge was as Curate of the Church of St. Emmanuel, Camberwell. For six years, he devoted himself to clerical labours of an arduous character in that populous quarter of London, and found it a real labour of love, a task that was near to his heart.

He came to Wycombe in 1898 as curate-in-charge of St. John’s Church..

In May 1903, the Rev. Oakley answered an advertisement to join the High Wycombe Volunteer Fire Brigade. His first time in action came in July of the same year when he was dispatched on his “powerful motorcycle” to Chequers Manor Farm, to enquire of Deputy-Capt. Miles whether further assistance was required at a fire there. This is the first instance of a motor vehicle being used by the Wycombe Brigade, the first motorised fire appliance not being purchased until 1920.

In 1905, whilst attending a fire at a house in Walters Ash, he was instrumental in rescuing a cat, “Pussy”. She was discovered to be perched on the gable end of the roof with her nearest approach to safety barred by the rapidly approaching flames. Poor Pussy mewed piteously, and at length Fireman Oakley secured a long ladder and brought the animal safely to the ground.

Later that year he was one of the first Firemen to reach the scene of one of the most horrific fires to occur in the town, that at the Black Swan, in Newlands, where a mother and her two children lost their lives.

Tragedy was to strike that same year when, in the early hours of a Sunday morning, he was taking part in a 100 miles elimination test organised by the Wycombe & District Motor Cycle Club, of which he was the Captain. Due to start at 2 p.m. on the Saturday afternoon, a clerical engagement delayed him. He rose at three o’clock the following morning to ride over the course himself.

After completing about 40 miles, and travelling at a very reasonable speed, an accident occurred in Bell Street, Princes Risborough at 5 a.m.

The fork on his motor-bicycle collapsed and he fell heavily on his face. His jaw and skull were both fractured, and his face terribly mutilated. When reached shortly afterwards he was said to be still clinging to the handlebars of the machine.

He was conveyed to a local cottage. Dr. Bell was summoned, later to be joined by Dr. Reynolds and Nurse Field from High Wycombe.

The Reverend had a splendid constitution, and notwithstanding his severe injuries, it was hoped he would recover.

Bulletins were posted at regular intervals on the vicarage gate in Wycombe. It was said that a doctor was in attendance at the house at all times. However he died on July 1 following the operation of trepanning without regaining consciousness.

The Reverend Oakley was popular with people of all class. He was a tremendous worker and heavily involved in the Church Lads Brigade.

When he first came to Wycombe he found the great straggling churchyard of All Saints Church in a discreditably neglected condition. He might have been seen in his shirtsleeves, evening after evening, with a few helpers, restoring it to its former glory. He also introduced bees into the churchyard.

He was untiring and fearless in his attendance on the sick. On one occasion a patient was lying ill who needed oxygen. It was night, and there was none to be obtained, but Rev. Oakley knew that there was some at the railway station, in readiness for a forthcoming magic-lantern exhibition.

In the dead of night, without any hesitation, he broke into the station, and took out the oxygen, and the patient’s life was saved.

When living in London he was a keen footballer, playing for the famous Corinthian’s club. He turned out for Wycombe Wanderers in 1899 in a charity football match when they beat Wandsworth 5-3.

Although a High Churchman, he was as popular with other denominations as among the Churchmen. On his last Sunday, prayers were offered in all the Nonconformist places of worship of the town for his recovery. Fireman Rev. Oakley was accorded a fireman’s funeral - his coffin was conveyed on a Manual Fire Engine, and Firemen acted as bearers. It was said 5,000 people attended.