John William Brooks
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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John William Brookes was born in 1886 he was the son of Frederick William Brooks a coal miner and Mary Jane Brooks née Orridge of 29 Newcastle Street, Huthwaite. Frederick William was born in 1863 at Hanslope, Buckinghamshire, Mary Jane Orridge was born in 1865 at Thringstone, Leicestershire, they were married on 6th June 1881 at Shirland, Derbyshire, they went on to have 14 children, sadly two died in infancy or early childhood. In 1911 his parents were living at 29 Newcastle Street, Huthwaite. John William married Mary Ann Burrows (born 9th April 1885) in Mansfield in 1907 , she brought a child to the marriage, Doris Burrows born 11th November 1904. They had three children, Jack born 6th December 1907, Hilda born 30th December 1908, Frederick Glen born 7th January 1911. In 1911 the family are living at 36 Newcastle Street, Huthwaite John William is 21 yrs and a coal miner, he is living with his wife Nary Ann 25 yrs and their 4 children. Commencing 11th September 1916 his widow was awarded a pension of 22 shillings and 6 pence a week.
John enlisted in December 1914 at Sutton in Ashfield and went out to France in August 1915. He first served as 20380 in the Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment) and later transferred to the 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. He was shot through the head and killed by a sniper on 25th February 1916 and was buried in Sucrerie Military Cemetery, Colincamps grave reference I C 25.
Notts Free Press – 17th March, 1916. The name of a well-known Huthwaite man, once prominent in local football circles, is now added to the roll of heroes who have given their lives for their country. It is that of Private J.W. Brooks, whose address is 36, Newcastle Street. He was 30 years of age, and was in the 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers (28184, C Company) He was a native of the town and enlisted in December, 1914 and went to France last august, meeting his end on the 25th of February, when he was shot through the head by a sniper. He leaves a widow and four young children. Apart from the official intimation his widow has received the following letter from her late husband’s pal in the same regiment:- “ Dear Madam,- It is not very good news I have to send but no doubt you have heard by now that your husband has got hit by a sniper. I hope someone else has let you know before me. I and Jack were very good pals, and I am very sorry to tell you he is dead. I have seen the chap that was with him, and he says it was sudden; he was shot through the head. Bear it bravely. He was a good lad and was respected by all in the company. He had no pain; it was so quick. I am very, very sorry for you and the children. This is all from his pal, Herbert Clay, 24196, 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers, Transport Section. B.E.F. He was born J/F/M/1886 so may have been 30 when killed.
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