Rank Captain Battles/wars First World War Role Armed force officer Battles and wars World War I | Years of service ?-1914 † Name James Otho | |
Buried at Zantvoorde British Cemetery Similar People John French - 1st Earl of Yp, Alexander von Linsingen, Joseph Joffre, Albert I of Belgium, Ferdinand Foch | ||
James Anson Otho Brooke VC (3 February 1884 – 29 October 1914) 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.
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Details
Brooke was a 30-year-old lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place at the First Battle of Ypres 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 the British 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.
Lieutenant Brooke was posthumously promoted to captain, effective to September 1914.
Memorials
Captain Brooke's remains were interred at Zantvoorde British Cemetery (CWGC), Zonnebeke, Belgium (near Ypres). His name also appears on the family grave at Springbank Cemetery, Aberdeen.
His name also appears on Aberdeen War Memorial, Colebrook War Memorial, St Ronan's Church Memorial, and Enniskillen War Memorial. A 21cm mortar he captured is on display at Enniskillen Castle.
A Victoria Cross commemorate paving stone bearing his name was laid at Kingswells Hall near Aberdeen in October 2014 to mark the centenary of the award.
The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen, Scotland.