QSA with Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Transvaal and Wittebergen clasps named to 1556. Tr E. A. Brooks. 1/L: Gds:
Trooper E. A. Brooks was serving in the 1st Battalion, Life Guards, and is confirmed on the Q.S.A. medal roll for the above mentioned clasp entitlement.
He was taken prisoner by Boer Forces at the Battle of Sannah’s Post, on the Modder River, on 31 March, 1900, and later released.
Albert Edward Books was born in Uxbridge, Middlesex in 1872 according to his attestation papers, but it's also recorded that he was born on 11 December 1865 and oddly was baptized on 4 February 1872 according to birth records. He was the son of George Brooks and Maria Brooks of 9 Grove Terrance, Cowley Rd. Uxbridge. Albert was a plumber when he attested on 18 January 1890 in Windsor. He was over 6’2” tall and had dark brown hair and hazel eyes. He was C of E. He served at home from 18 January 1890 to 28 November 1899, then in South Africa from 28 November 1899 to 28 November 1900, then home again from 29 November 1900 to 1 July 1902 and served over twelve and a half years. His character was considered Very Good and he had a 3rd Class education certificate date 25 June 1890. He was paid a war gratuity of 5 Sterling. On 1 July 1902, he was discharged on termination of first period of engagement and paid 24 Pounds and 15 shillings.