Medic7922 Posted 20 October , 2005 Share Posted 20 October , 2005 Has anyone any information on the deeds of L/Sgt Oliver Brooks VC 3rd Coldstream Guards I understand he was recalled to the colours in August 1914 and won hes VC in 1915 at the Battle of Loos, but I would like to find out somemore of hes exploits prior to hes award. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hambo Posted 20 October , 2005 Share Posted 20 October , 2005 I have some information on him after his award but only the following before it. He joined the Guards in April 1906 having been a coal miner. He was released to the reserve in April 1913 being recalled at the outbreak of war, going to France with the 3rd Battalion.He was promoted to Lance Sergeant in July 1915 and full Sergeant the day after the action in which he won the V.C. That's it I'm afraid, hope someone can add to that. If you want his post V.C. story let me know Hambo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coldstreamer Posted 22 October , 2005 Share Posted 22 October , 2005 hello do you want me to try and find a picture ? and he joined in the latter half of the month for waht its worth ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Matthews Posted 22 October , 2005 Share Posted 22 October , 2005 For starters, there is a three page write up on his life and times in "VCs of the First World War - Western Front 1915" by P. Batchelor and C. Matson (Sutton Publishing, Gloucs., 1997). No doubt there is also plenty of information available elsewhere on the 'net...... Oliver Brooks VC incl. photograph Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest wrinklyone Posted 22 October , 2005 Share Posted 22 October , 2005 If I remember correctly he was born in Somerset, and had previous service as a regular soldier before WW1. Of course the main point which distinguished him from the other very gallant men awarded VC, was that his gong was pinned on by the King whilst he (HM) was in bed recovering from a fall from a horse. After WW1 Oliver Brooks was for many years an imposing commissionaire on the door of the Harte and Garter Hotel in Windsor (which is where he died). From the photographs I have seen of him in that role, you wouldn't mess about with him! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRIAN TALMER Posted 23 October , 2005 Share Posted 23 October , 2005 Hi Oliver Brooks was born 31/05/1889 in Paulton, Somerset & Died 25/10/1940 in Windsor Berkshire & is buried in Windsor Borough Cemetry with the rank of Sergent He won his V.C. on the 8th October 1915 Near Loos He gathered together a party of bombers and led them forward in an attempt to recapture 200 yards of trenches that had been lost to the enemy. His bravery in the midst of a hail of bullets ensured the complete success of the operation This info came from the book called Symbol of Courage by Max Arthur Hope this is of help Cheers Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest wrinklyone Posted 30 November , 2005 Share Posted 30 November , 2005 Medic - I have found a four page write-up on the man ( with a later photo) in a local history mag. If you are still pursuing this, and you send me a pm with your snailmail, I would be happy to send a copy to you (with acknowledgements to Derek Hunt). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drew5233 Posted 20 July , 2009 Share Posted 20 July , 2009 Has anyone any information on the deeds of L/Sgt Oliver Brooks VC 3rd Coldstream Guards I understand he was recalled to the colours in August 1914 and won hes VC in 1915 at the Battle of Loos, but I would like to find out somemore of hes exploits prior to hes award. Does anyone know why he died? He was only 51 when he passed away in 1940 and he's not listed on CWGC so it wasn't due to bombing and the like. Cheers Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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