Today marked the unveiling of a memorial headstone in honor of Wallace Oakes who was awarded the George Cross medal. Wallace stayed at his post as train driver to prevent a serious accident on June 5th 1965. As the cab filled with smoke and flames Wallace stayed at the controls stopping the train, but as a consequence suffered 80% burns and five days later passed away.
For more than fifty years Oakes was buried at an unmarked grave in St Matthew’s Churchyard in Haslington, but today a group of railway men and a journalist from a railway magazine helped to recognise his bravery. Oxley’s provided the monument on behalf of the group and were honoured to have been a part of highlighting the courage of Wallace.
BBC & ITV will feature todays service.
