Hugh Vernon BROOKE

Regimental number3783
Place of birthCharters Towers, Queensland
Other NamesBROOKES
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationHorse driver
AddressLilly View, Minkom, Ayr Line via townsville, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation19
Next of kinFather, Arthur Brooke, Lilly View, Minkom, Ayr Line via Townsville, Queensland
Enlistment date27 September 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name25th Battalion, 9th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/42/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT Wandilla on 31 January 1916
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: Arthur and Margaret BROOKES.
Medals

Military Medal

'During the operations near GUEUDECOURT from 15th November, 1916, to 6th December, 1916, these N.C.O.s and men did most excellent work as members of the Divisional Pack Transport Troops. They are selected from the 256 N.C.O.s and Drivers as having set a fine example to the remainder by their coolness under fire, determination, and resource. They never failed in getting the mules up to Battalion Headquarters although they came constantly under shell fire, during which a number of mules were killed. Their work was done at night under the most difficult conditions, and they were instrumental in saving a number of valuable animals from drowning when bogged in shell holes in the portion of their journey beyond Brigade Headquarters, which was under constant shell fire. '
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 116
Date: 25 July 1917

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Age at death39
Place of burialToowong Cemetery, Queensland