| Date | 18 June 1998 |
|---|---|
| Source | Somerset Guardian |
| Reference | PN-0015 |
| Volume | People in the News |
| Collection | Press Clippings |
Transcript
Photo: AT THE UNVEILING: RSM Dave Hall, Coldstream Guards; a representative of Windsor and District Housing Association, owners of the house; Carol Scott, granddaughter; Lt Col James Bucknall, CO 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards, Victoria Barracks, Windsor; the Mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead, Cllr Kathy Newbound; and Diana Carter, daughter of Oliver Brooks.
Plaque is Unveiled at Hero’s Former Home
MIDSOMER Norton’s legendary hero Sgt Oliver Brooks, the town’s only Victoria Cross recipient, has been immortalised with a prestigious blue plaque, erected on the house in Windsor where he spent his last years.
The honour is the latest recognition of the Coldstream Guardsman’s heroism during World War I.
He was awarded the highest military honour of all for extraordinary courage in leading a party of soldiers through a hail of bombs to recapture 200 yards of trenches at Loos, France.
Sgt Brooks was born in Paulton in 1889 and spent his youth in Midsomer Norton, receiving his education at the Church School.
After the war, he moved to Windsor, where he lived in a house in Clewer Avenue. It is now owned by Windsor and District Housing Association.
Recently, 28 years after his death, Sgt Brooks was honoured at an exhibition on VC heroes at Windsor Guildhall.
The plaque unveiling followed soon afterwards, said Mr Derek Hunt, who organised the exhibition.
He said: “It was unveiled by the Mayor of Windsor, Cllr Kathy Newbound. Also at the ceremony were Lt Col James Bucknall, CO 1st Bn Coldstream Guards (Brooks’ regiment), stationed at Victoria Barracks, Windsor, and a large number of Brooks family members.
“I was invited, as I had proposed the plaque to the council and did all the necessary research. After the unveiling ceremony, there was a reception at the Guildhall and a look round the Brooks section of the VC exhibition.“
Former Somerset people managed to get to the exhibition, said Derek, and souvenir programmes are available from him at 9 Harrington Close, Windsor, Berks, SL4 4AD. The price is £2.50, including post and packaging, and proceeds will go to charity.
Images
Additional Photographs
Source: Derek Hunt
