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Auction: 19002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 131

Three: Corporal W. H. Brooker, Royal Air Force, late Royal Naval Air Service, who died of septicaemia and malaria whilst on active service

1914-15 Star (F. 6860. W. H. Brooker. A.M.1. R.N.A.S.); British War and Victory Medals (206860. Cpl. W. H. Brooker. R.A.F.), nearly extremely fine (3)

William Henry Brooker was born on 8 June 1888 in Croydon, Surrey, one of six children to Henry and Jane Brooker of 28 Wyche Grove, South Croydon. He attested for the R.N.A.S. on 26 July 1915, giving his occupation as Fitter, later transferring to the R.A.F. on 1 April 1918. Initially involved in anti-submarine warfare in the Aegean, the Squadron was sent to Russia in December 1918 to support White forces against the Bolsheviks.

Brooker was taken ill on 5 August 1919 and was diagnosed with malaria on 24 August. Transferred to hospital in Constantinople, his condition deteriorated on 25 October when he became dangerously ill with septicaemia. Moved to Harfleur and then to No. 6 General Hospital in Rouen, he died on 6 November 1919. Aged 31, William is buried at the St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, his headstone bearing the inscription, 'Sleep on Dear Son and take thy rest'; sold with copied research and C.W.G.C. details.


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Sold for
£95

Starting price
£60