William Brooks was born in Nottingham in 1881. 1 of 13 children born to Albert & Emma.

On 11th December 1899, aged 18 years old William married Clara Smith in Luton.

In 1901 he is working as a milkman, Clara is working as a straw hat finisher & they are living with their 1 year old son Baden William at 42 Arthur Street.

In 1908 William married Annie Frost, because in January 1905 Clara had died.

In 1911 William is working as a labourer in an iron foundry & living with his family at 108 Castle Street. Annie is working at home as a straw hat machinist whilst looking after 2 year old Elsie, Baden is now 11 years old & at school with his 8 year old sister Edith.

Whilst serving with the Machine Gun Corps William was killed in action on the 24th September 1916. He is buried at the Laventie Military Cemetery in France.

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.