The family of Victoria Cross hero, Oliver Brooks, were present to witness the area’s commemorative events that took place last week to mark the centenary of his award.

Many people attended last Thursday’s events, both in Paulton, Midsomer Norton and a special Civic Reception which was held by the Chair of Bath and North East Somerset Council in the city later that day.

Oliver Brooks, from the 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards, was given the honour by King George V for his bravery near Loos on 8th October 1915, leading a party of bombers and regaining possession of lost ground ‘with absolute fearlessness’.

After a short church service at Paulton Methodist Church, at which local schoolchildren spoke, a Commemorative Stone was unveiled at Paulton’s War Memorial. The stones are part of a Government initiative to honour the 480 British-born Victoria Cross recipients.

Oliver Brooks’ VC citation was read aloud by General Sir Michael Rose, with the last Post and a minute’s silence. The stone was blessed by Revd Martin Slocombe, with Oliver Brooks’ grandson, Peter, speaking on behalf of the family.

Afterwards, Paulton Parish Council hosted an afternoon tea at the Methodist Church Hall, with coaches arriving later to take those attending to the Civic Reception in Bath.

Speaking to The Journal, Peter Brooks said: “It was an unbelievable day – it couldn’t have been better planned and one of those days we will never forget. When the Guardsmen came past the Methodist Church in their bear skins and red tunics, well, that was really special. None of Oliver’s grandchildren ever knew him, but apparently he was a ‘bit of a lad’. I could imagine him sat outside The Lamb with a pint in one hand and a cigarette in the other, watching us all at the War Memorial, but I’m sure he would have been as proud as punch. Everyone did a fantastic job.”

The Midsomer Norton Society also held a talk on the life of Sergeant Brooks at the Town Hall in the evening, having extensively researched the archives. They also unveiled a very special painting by local resident and artist, Annie Davenport, commissioned by the Town Council (see right). Oliver Brooks was born in Paulton in 1889, growing up in Midsomer Norton and was 26-years-old when he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Those who were unable to attend last week’s event will have another chance with a Commemorative Concert taking place on Sunday, 1st November, at Midsomer

Norton Town Hall, starting at 7 p.m.