Edward Brooks (VC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Brooks
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| Born | 11 April 1883 Oakley, Buckinghamshire, England |
| Died | 26 June 1944 (aged 61) Oxford, Oxfordshire, England |
| Buried |
Rose Hill Cemetery, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1914–1919 |
| Rank | Company Sergeant Major |
| Service number | 201154 |
| Unit | Grenadier Guards Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Edward Brooks was a brave soldier from England. He was born on April 11, 1883, in Oakley, Buckinghamshire. During World War I, he served in the British Army. He earned the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy. This special medal is given to soldiers from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.
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Who Was Edward Brooks?
Edward Brooks was born in a small village called Oakley, Buckinghamshire. He was one of twelve children in his family. His parents were Thomas and Selina Brooks.
When he was 34 years old, Edward was a Company Sergeant Major. This is a senior rank in the army. He was part of the 2/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. This was during the First World War, a very big global conflict.
A Heroic Act in World War I
Edward Brooks showed incredible bravery on April 28, 1917. This happened near a place called Fayet in France. His unit was attacking enemy trenches.
During the attack, the first group of soldiers got stuck. An enemy machine gun was firing at them. Company Sergeant-Major Brooks was in the second group. He saw the problem and acted quickly.
He ran forward by himself. He used his revolver to kill one enemy gunner. Then, he used his bayonet (a knife attached to a rifle) on another. The rest of the enemy gun crew ran away. They left their machine gun behind.
Brooks then turned the machine gun around. He fired it at the retreating enemy soldiers. After that, he carried the heavy machine gun back to his own side. His brave actions saved many lives. They also helped his unit succeed in their mission.
What is the Victoria Cross?
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military award. It is given for extreme bravery. Soldiers receive it for amazing acts of courage. These acts must happen "in the face of the enemy." It is a very rare and special medal.
Honored for His Bravery
Edward Brooks received his Victoria Cross from King George V. This special ceremony took place on July 18, 1917.
When he returned home to Oxford, he was a hero. The Mayor and other important people met him at the train station. A band played music as he rode in a carriage. He was taken to his home at 16 Windsor Street.
Years later, people still remembered his bravery. On July 29, 2017, a blue plaque was put on his home. This plaque honors important people and events. His name is also on a special monument in Oxford. This monument is at the site of the old Cowley Barracks.
Where to See His Medal
Edward Brooks's Victoria Cross medal is on display. You can see it at the Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum. This museum is in Winchester, England.
