AN EXTRAORDINARY TRUE WWII STORY
A father lost in Normandy.
A helmet found decades later.
A son's story 80 years in the making.
Published by: The Berkeley Group Limited
Trim: 5" x 8"
Pages: 80
ISBN Hardcover: 978-1-0668905-1-4
ISBN Paperback: 978-1-0668905-0-7
ISBN eBook: 978-1-0668905-2-1
Gary Oakley plans to direct proceeds from the book toward causes that honor and support veterans, including the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France, and initiatives providing financial assistance to veterans in need.
The Helmet: A Son's Remarkable 80-Year Journey to the Father He Never Knew
In 1944, a three-year-old boy lost his father in Normandy. Nearly 80 years later, a Frenchman returned his father's helmet.
Private Harold Frederick Oakley was killed in action during World War II, leaving behind a young son who would grow up knowing him only through photographs, military medals, and family memories.
The Helmet tells the remarkable true story of how a chance discovery in Normandy eventually reunited Gary Oakley with a treasured piece of his father's history.
Featuring personal letters, historical photographs, and a foreword by Field Marshal The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux.
"A story of war, of family tragedy and much stoicism, of determination, of courage, of patriotism, of unlikely coincidence, of a battered helmet with two prominent bullet holes…"
Field Marshal
The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL
Harold with two-year-old Gary before he shipped out to the UK
Gary and Val in 2022 with the helmet that Pierrick Tilleul found near Bourguébus
Gary with Pierrick at the site where the helmet was found
Every Family Has a Story Worth Remembering
Do you have a family story or photograph connected to military service? We'd love to hear it.
Share your memories and photographs with Gary. Selected stories may be featured on this website to help preserve the legacies of those who served.
About Gary Oakley
Gary Oakley collaborated with Angela Hancock to share this remarkable story dating back to August 2, 1944, in Normandy, France. In 1980 Gary established and managed a tax-compliant investment entity for Canadian investors, which required that it be managed outside of Canada. He convinced his wife, Valerie, to travel with him to the Cayman Islands on their sailboat to manage the business from there. Grand Cayman is still home after 46 years. Gary and Valerie have a son, David, who resides in Canada.
Email: gary@tbgl.com
Contact Gary
Copyright © 2026 by Gary Oakley | All rights reserved. Authors Nook Corner by YellowStudios.