Thank you to local reader, Roger Brooks, who got in touch with The Journal to share the story of his grandfather, Edwin John Brooks.

Roger also brought us a very precious book of handwritten prayers, hymns and poems that Edwin had taken with him to the front line. Roger tells his story here:

“Edwin John Brooks lived and worked at Lady Farm, Chelwood, with his parents, George and Mary Ann; his brothers, Harry and George, and sister, Annie.

“In 1911, at the age of eighteen, he enlisted to serve in the Special Reserve in the Third Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment and later went to Blandford Forum Army Camp to carry out his training.

“He saw active service from 10th December 1915, when he served as a Hussar of the Line, a lightly armed Cavalry Soldier, and later as a Rifleman in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. His army number was R41771.

“His service saw him serve King and Country until 9th September 1918, two months before the end of the War, when he was discharged as no longer physically fit for War Service. He had become very ill after drinking dirty trench water.

“My grandfather took with him a handwritten book of prayers, hymns and poems, which he read as he waited in the trenches, which must have provided great comfort from the bombardment of guns and advance from the enemy.

“He returned home safely to his wife, Ellen, but sadly died in 1929, aged 36.

“I did not get to meet my grandfather, but I am very proud of his actions and service and feel that he and all those who served are heroes and should never be forgotten.”

One of the poems taken from the handwritten book is aptly called ’Poppies’. It reads:

‘Roses are for loving

In the days of June

In the golden sunlight

’Neath the silver moon

Roses are for loving

Loving dies so soon.

Poppies for forgetting

When the sad eyes weep

When the heart is sighing

Thro’ the shadows deep

Poppies for forgetting

In a long, long sleep.’