William Charles Brooks, died 15th March 1918, aged 28.
Private 275306, 10th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers.

 

Born in Goudhurst on 19th May 1889 and known in the family as Charles, he was living and working at Smugley Farm when war broke out. In November 1914 he enlisted in The Buffs’ Territorials, and only went abroad in September 1917, transferring to the Royal Fusiliers. After a few months in a quiet sector east of Péronne, they moved to the Ypres salient in February 1918. Charles Brooks was seriously wounded in a German attack near the Menin Road on 8th March, and died a week later in a Casualty Clearing Station at Lijssenthoek, where he lies buried in the Military Cemetery. His younger brother George, a regular soldier, had been killed six months earlier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parish Magazine, St Mary’s, Goudhurst, April 1918
The greatest sympathy is felf for Mr and Mrs Brookes, Smugley, who have lost a second son in the War. Pte. Charles Brookes joined up two years ago, and was serving in the Royal Fusiliers. He was very seriously wounded in back and lungs by a bomb and succumbed to the wounds. Both Chaplain and Nurse have written very kindly about him, and said how patient he was and how grateful for all that was done for him.

Kent & Sussex Courier 19th April 1918
Roll of Honour
Mr and Mrs Brooks of Smugley, have lost a second son in the war. Pte. Charles Brooks joined up two years ago and was serving with the Royal Fusiliers. He was very seriously wounded in back and lungs by a bomb and succumbed to wounds. Both Chaplain and nurse have written very kindly about him and stated that the was very patient and grateful for all that was done for him.