Percival Harold Brooks was born in 1899 in Luton. He was 1 of 13 children born to Albert & Emma.

On 14th October 1902 His father Albert died & left Emma widowed with a large family to look after.

In 1911 Percy is an 11 year old school boy & living with his mother at 27 Grove Road. His brother Henry, his wife Elizabeth & their 2 children, Frederick 2 & 6 month old Ella Margaret are living here too,  Henry is working as a straw hat blocker..His mother Emma, a 52 year old widow is the head of the household, she has her own business as a curtain laundress with help from her 17 year old daughter Gertrude. Sidney is 16 years old & a moulder's apprentice at the gas stove works His younger sister, 9 year old Dolly, is also at school.

On 10th November 1914 he is living with his mother at 75 Beech Road when he joined the 2/5th Bedfordshire Regiment. On 13th December 1916 he was posted to France with the 1st Battalion, then on the 26th February he was sent home & spent time at the Depot.

On 19th March 1917 he was transferred to the Kings Own Scottish Borders. He spent time in hospital whilst serving with them as he was granted 1 week furlough from the 4th Northern General Hospital in Lincoln from 23rd May 1918 to 1st June 1918 to spend at home at 75 Beech Road. He was demobbed to his home address on 23rd February 1919.

Percy married Frances Minnie Wiseman in Luton in 1925.

He died in June 1934 in St Albans.

An article in the Luton News on 8th April 1915 titled ' Six Sons Serving' was written about Emma Brooks (misspelt Brookes) & 6 of her 9 sons all doing their duty in the war, Albert, John, Sidney, Fred, Percival & Walter. Henry & William also served their country.