Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Joseph William and Jane OLDHAM, Douglas Street, Stockton, New South Wales.

Member of Stockton Surf and Life-saving Brigade

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry during operations. He brought in a wounded man under heavy fire from "No Man's Land" and afterwards continued tending the wounded without rest for some 20 hours under heavy shell fire.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 184
Date: 14 December 1916

LIEUTENANT W. H. OLDHAM.
The late Lieutenant Walter Herbert Oldham, D.C.M., of Stocklton, enlisted on June 14, 1915, at the age of 20 years, in the A.M.C., and, as acting sergeant, was given charge of the measles compound, where, when he sailed In October, 1915, there were ever 140 pataients. While in Egypt he became attached to the 56th Battallon as sergeant, with which he proceeded to France. In July, 1916, at Pozieres, he was awarded the D.C.M., and his doctor, Captain Keith Grieve, was awarded the Military Cross for bringing wounded men in from No Man's Land, and dressing them under fire for several hours. Towards the end of 1917 he left the A.M.C., and joined the infantry, after which he was sent to Keble College, Oxford University, where he gained his commission, and returned to France in March last as lieutenant to his own battalion. He was killed in action on Septemper 1, 1918 (not July). Prior  to enlistment he was employed as a shop assistant at D. Morgan and Sons', Lambton, for whom he had worked since leaving school. He was well known in senior football circles, having represented Western Suburbs for two occasions, and while at Oxlord played with the college team. He was captain of the Stockton Surf Club; when he enlisted, and had won several medals for swimming.