| Date | 28 October 1915 |
|---|---|
| Source | The London Gazette of 28 Oct 1915, Num. 29342, p. 10629 |
| Reference | WW1-0017 |
| Volume | First World War |
| Collection | Victoria Cross Recipients |
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.
Extract from The London Gazette
| Name: | Oliver Brooks VC |
| Born: | 31 May 1889; Paulton, Somerset. |
| Died: | 25 Oct 1940; Windsor. |
| Buried: | Windsor Cemetery |
| Unit: | 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards, 2nd Guards Brigade |
| Date of Action: | 8 Oct 1915 |
| Place: | Haisnes, near Loos, France |
| Rank: | Lance Sergeant |
| Gazetted: | The London Gazette of 28 Oct 1915, Num. 29342, p. 10629 |
| VC No: | 672 |
| Presented: | 1 Nov 1915 by King George V aboard a hospital train at Aire Station, France. |
| Displayed: | The Coldstream Guards RHQ, Wellington Barracks, London. |
| References: | [56] [68] [69] |
| Connection: | Lived in Windsor from 1919 – 1940. Celebrated with a Blue Plaque at his former home in Clewer Avenue, Windsor |
| Awards: | Victoria Cross 1914 Star with clasp British War Medal (1914 – 20) Victory Medal (1914 – 19) Coronation Medal 1937 |