Tom Brooker was a 39 year old family man when he was killed on the 5th August 1917, just two days after hi birthday. He was wounded at the second battle of Ypres and was taken to the dressing station at Canada Farm, where he died from his wounds. He was born on the 3rd August 1878 in Speldhurst, Kent. He worked as a farm labourer and was married with 10 children, one of whom was my grand mother, Ethel. He was recruited into the Royal Garrison Artillery. It is said that he was told that at 6'4" tall, he was too tall for the trenches! I'm told I look like Tom, when I look at his photo, the only one I know of, I can see the likeness. My late grandmother often said I looked like her Dad. Tom is honoured and remembered by our family, especially so this year, on the centenary of the start of WW1.

Steve Pincott