Person

Charles Brook was born in Bradford, Yorkshire to Charles and Ellen Brook. Sometime later he married Emily Brook and then enlisted in the army, joining the 9th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry (DLI).

The recorded dated of Charles’ death, 23 April 1917, coincides with the Second Battle of the Scarpe, a sub-battle of Arras. It is likely he was killed here. The battle in question was part of the second phase of the British plan to capture German positions between the Scarpe and Cojeul rivers. Especially important was the village of Guemappe which helped secure the German left flank. British forces found that attacking the village, which was situated on the north bank of the Cojeul river, nearly impossible, as the enemy held the ridge on the south bank overlooking the village. The task of 151st Brigade was to take this position, which they managed to accomplish. The German counter-attacks along the Cojeul were beaten back and so, at the end of the Second Battle of the Scarpe River, Guemappe remained in British hands. This was, however at substantial loss of life, including Charles Brooks. He is indeed remembered for his sacrifice at the Arras memorial.

For his service he received the Victory Medal and British War Medal.

Death date: 23-April-1917

Armed force/civilian: Army

Residence: Birthplace: Bradford, Yorkshire (Soliders died in the Great war, 1914-1919)
5 Glenholme Road, Whitley Lane, Manningham, Bradford (CWGC)

Family: Father: Charles Brook (ARRAS memorial)
Mother: Ellen Brook
Wife: Emily Brook (deceased at time of husband’s death)

Military service:

9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry (9/7438, 325793), Formerly; West Riding Regiment (7564)
Private
Enlisted: Halifax

Medal(s): Victory Medal
British War Medal

Memorial(s): Arras Memorial Bay 8
DLI Book of Remembrance, Durham Cathedral

Gender: Male

Contributed by Daniel Hyatt