Sidney Brooks was born on 9th October 1895 In Luton, 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 Sidney is 16 years old & a moulders apprentice at the gas stove works. He is 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. His younger brother & sister are also living with them, Percy 11 & 9 year old Dolly are at school.

Sidney joined the Bedfordshire Regiment. He was living with his mother at 75 Beech Road & working at the Hightown foundry at the time. He served in Gallipoli with the 1/5th Battalion.

He survived the war & married Gwendoline Bessie Cob in March 1920 in St Albans & went on to have 2 sons, Ronald Frederick & Sidney Herbert.

Sidney died at Luton & Dunstable Hospital on 5th November 1971.

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.