Born Nottingham 1880. Son of Albert Brooks (1853-1902) and Emma Harvey (1858-1934), of 75, Beech Grove, Luton; His father was a Gas worker who died when William was 12. he had eight brothers and four sisters.
He married Clara Smith (1881-1905), at Luton, on 11 Dec 1899. Children Baden and Clara.
He married Annie Frost (1880-1946) at Luton in 1908. His wife Annie was born on 27th November 1880. They lived at 108, Castle Street, Luton, Bedfordshire (CWGC address) and 2, Claremont Avenue, Field Street, Hull (War Pension address).
He enlisted in Bedford. Formerly 5446, Beds Regiment. Transferred to the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry), 182nd Coy. Killed in action, on 24 Sep 1916, aged 35. Buried in Laventie Military Cemetery, France. Also Commemorated on the Luton WW1 Memorial
He had one son Baden Brooks (1901-1928) and three daughters, Clara Edith (born on 25th August 1902) from his first marriage and Elsie Mildred Maud (born on 11th July 1908) and Madge Dorothy (born on 24th June 1911). His army effects were left to his widow, Annie. She was awarded a weekly war pension, of 26 shillings and three pence on 16th April 1917.
Six of his brothers, eight nephews and other relations served during WW1. The patriotic family were featured in the Bedfordshire Chronicle.
His brother, Private, Henry Brooks, 60113, 26th London Regiment, died of wounds, at Manchester, on 3 Dec 1917, aged 30.
His other brothers, Albert, Sidney & John (Bedford Regiment), Fred (RAMC), Walter (Notts & Derby) and Percy served with the King’s Own Scottish Borders
