FREDERICK CHARLES BROOKS

Born: 1892, Ipswich.

Baptised on the 20^th April 1893, at St. Clement’s Church, Ipswich, with his sister Ethel May Brooks – family home at 10, Rope Walk Place, Ipswich. Their mother, Emma Elizabeth Brooks, was the only parent recorded.

Died: 4th May 1915; age 23; KiA.

Residence: 27, Mount Street, Ipswich.

Enlistment Location: Ipswich.

Date of Entry Therein: 15^th September 1914.

Rank: Private; Service Number: 3/8448

Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 2nd Battalion.

Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1914 Star + Clasp.

A cross was identified at the “Rest And Be Thankful Farm,” Kemmel, in January 1920, for Frederick. In October 1923, a Special Memorial Cross was erected for Frederick and Charles William Weidner at Wytshaete Military Cemetery, inscribed “ Their Glory Shall Not Be Blotted Out” – To the memory of these two soldiers killed in action in 1915 and 1917, and buried at the time in “Rest And Be Thankful Farm,” Kemmel whose graves were destroyed in later battles.

Charles William Weidner was born in 1887, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, son of Alderman John Frederick Weidner, J.P., steamship owner and ship broker, and Isabella Weidner, of Condercum House, Benwell. He was ranked a Gunner, service number 171538, of the Royal Field Artillery, ‘A’ Battery, 59^th Brigade. Charles, of Seymour Grove, Manchester, Lancashire, was KiA by shell near Messines, on the 5^th June 1917. He left behind a widow and one young daughter.

Grave Reference:

Rest And Be Thankful Farm,

Kemmel.

Memorial Reference:

Memorial 1,

Wytshaete Military Cemetery,

West-Vlaanderen,

Belgium.

Relatives Notified & Address: Eldest son of Mrs. E.B. Mills, of 27, Mount Street, Ipswich.

CENSUS

1901   Randall’s Court, Rope Walk, Ipswich.

Frederick was 9 years old and living with his parents and siblings.

Benjamin Mills, 39, a Driver – own account, born Ufford, Suffolk.

Emma Elizabeth Brooks, 29, born Hadleigh, Suffolk.

Ethel Mabel Brooks, 11, born Ipswich.

Wilfred Ernest Brooks, 6, born Ipswich.

Arthur John Brooks, 5, born Ipswich.

Emma Elizabeth Brooks, 7 months, born Ipswich.

1911   27, Mount Street, Ipswich.

Frederick was 19 years old, a Printer’s Assistant. He was living with his parents and siblings.

Benjamin, 49, a General Labourer.

Emma, 40.

Ernest, 15, an Errand Lad.

Emma, 10.

Nellie Louisa Brooks, 8, born Ipswich.

Flora I. Mills, 2 months, born Ipswich.

Frederick’s parents, Benjamin Mills and Emma Brooks, married on 16^th November 1907, at St. Peter’s Church, Ipswich.

Frederick’s sister, Flora Ivy Mills, died on the 19^th May 1912 in St. Peter’s, Ipswich and was buried on the 24^th May in Section C at Ipswich Old Cemetery.

Soldiers’ Effects to Emma Brooks – mother.

Frederick is also remembered on the war memorial at St. Peter’s Church, Ipswich.

Frederick is also remembered on the handwritten war memorial at The Mission Free Church, Ipswich.

Suffolk Regiment, 2nd Battalion:

Suffolk Regiment Battalion movements

Friends of The Suffolk Regiment