BROOKES, Albert

Albert Brookes attended Halesowen C of E school and was one of the 'Old Contemptibles' of 1914. He had probably completed his years in the reserve but returned to his old battalion, the 2nd Worcesters, on the outbreak of war. They endured the retreat from Mons and then enjoyed the advance back to the Aisne in September. The switch of the main German attack to Flanders meant that the battalion then had to move quickly to the defence of Ypres. They advanced to meet the enemy and were the last reserves available to prevent the breach of the line at the village of Gheluvelt. It was a remarkable action which halted the German advance on Ypres and which became the regiment's most renowned exploit. Private Albert Brookes was in the charge which broke the enemy advance and was killed in this famous battle. He was 24 years of age and is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Halesowen and Halesowen C of E school Memorials.