Oliver Brooks VC

Oliver Brooks was born in Paulton, one of seven sons born to Joseph and Mary Brooks. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for most conspicuous bravery near Loos, where he led a party of bombers to reclaim 200 yards of lost trenches in October 1915.

Even more extraordinary are the circumstances in which Oliver received his Victoria Cross. King George V had been thrown from his horse, fracturing his pelvis and was on a hospital train at the time. He was so determined to award the Victoria Cross to Oliver Brooks himself that Brooks boarded the train so it could be given to him by the King from his bed. Brooks is the only person in history to have been awarded the Victoria Cross in such a way.

Following a visit to Windsor, where Brooks and his family lived, the exhibition team have managed to find out more about this exceptional man. We’ll share more details in the lead up to the exhibition, but don’t forget to come and see it in person for the full story.