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SGT OLIVER BROOKS, VC.
Oliver Brooks was born in Midsomer Norton, Somerset,
on 31st May 1889. He enlisted to the Coldstream Guards
on 17th April 1906.
After serving at home, he transferred to the Reserve
on 17th April 1913.
He was recalled to the colours on 7th August 1914, and
went to France with the 3rd Battalion. He was promoted
to Lance Sergeant in July 1915, and was awarded the
Victoria Cross for his gallantry at Loos on 8th October
1915. He was promoted to Sergeant the very next day.
He was present with the Victoria Cross by King George V
in a hospital train. The King had fallen from his horse
whilst on a visit to the troops in France, but he
insisted on presenting the VC himself. He was discharged
on 27th February 1919.
For many years he was employed as a doorman at the
Dorchester Hotel in London, and then at the White Hart
Hotel in Windsor. He died at Windsor on 25th October
1940.
As well as the VC, he was also awarded the 1914 Star and
Bar, British War Medal, Victory Medal and the 1937
Coronation Medal. His medals were donated to the
Regiment by his widow in 1967.
EXTRACT FROM THE LONDON GAZETTE
28 Oct 1915
Victoria Cross
6738 Lance Sergeant Oliver BROOKS, 3rd Bn Coldstream
Guards
For most conspicuous bravery near Loos, on 8th October,
1915.
A strong party of the enemy having captured 200 yards of
our trenches, Lance Sergeant Brooks, on his own
initiative, led a party of bombers in the most
determined manner, and succeeded in regaining possession
of the lost ground.
The signal bravery displayed by this non-commissioned
officer, in the midst of a hail of bombs from the
Germans, was of the very first order, and the complete
success attained in a very dangerous undertaking was
entirely due to his absolute fearlessness, presence of
mind, and promptitude.
His medal(s) is on display at Regimental Headquarters
RELATED IMAGES/INFORMATION
More information on Brooks can be found below:
Wikipedia External Link
After recently falling from a horse, King George V still
insisted that he would present Sgt Brooks with his
Victoria Cross Medal at his bedside on a hospital train.
MEDAL
ENTITLEMENT OF:
Sergeant Oliver BROOKS (Coldstream Guards)
Victoria Cross
1914 Star - clasp "5th Aug-22nd Nov 1914"
British War Medal ( 1914-20 )
Victory Medal ( 1914-19 )
King George VI Coronation Medal ( 1937 ) |
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