Personal info
- Name: Oliver BROOKS
- D.O.B: 31st May, 1889
- D.O.A: 8th Oct, 1915
- D.O.D: 25th Oct, 1940
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Lance Sergeant, 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards, 2nd Guards Brigade
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
Haisnes, near Loos, France 8 October 1915
8 October 1915
The First World War 1915
On 8 October 1915 the Germans attacked the British line south of the Hohenzollern Redoubt and west of Hulluch. The 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards came under very heavy pressure and two of their three companies were bombed out of their trenches. However, 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards, came to their assistance. In this action Lance-Sergeant O Brooks was instrumental in recapturing a section of British trench, which had been occupied by the Germans.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery near Loos, on the 8th October, 1915. A strong party of the enemy having captured 200 yards of our trenches, Lance-Serjeant 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.