James Anson Otho Brooke

James Anson Otho Brooke was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was 30 years old, and a Lieutenant in the 2nd Bn., Gordon Highlanders, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 29 October 1914 near Gheluvelt, Belgium, Lieutenant Brooke led two attacks on the German trenches under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, regaining a lost trench at a very critical moment. By his marked coolness and promptitude on this occasion, Lieutenant Brooke prevented the enemy from breaking through our line at a time when a general counter-attack could not have been organised. Having regained the lost trench, he went back to bring up supports, and while doing so, was killed.

Further information

Promotion to Captain with effect September 1914 notified postumously.
Also considered Irish. Grave/memorial at Zandvoorde CWGC, Nr Ieper (Ypres), Belgium.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Gordon Highlanders Museum (Aberdeen, Scotland).

Reference

• Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
• Monuments To Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
• SCOTLAND'S FORgotten VALOUR (Graham Ross, 1995)
• VCs of the First World War – 1914 (Gerald Gliddon, 1994)

This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.