Death and burial
Killed in action at Balaclava, 25th October 1854.
Next of kin: Father, Joseph Brooks, living in Birmingham.
[PB: Hs death was reported in British newspapers about three weeks later.]
Born in Uttoxeter, c.1826.
1841 Census
Radmore, Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire.
Walter Brooks, 15.
Enlisted at Birmingham on the 14th of November 1843.
Age: 18.
Height: 5' 9".
Trade: Servant.
Hospital Orderly during 1850-51.
[PB: According to Lawrence Crider, In Search..., WB was at Hampton Court all 3 musters prior to departing for the East [54-1-5].]
At Scutari from the 22nd of September 1854 and sent to rejoin the regiment on the 20th of October.
Killed in action at Balaclava, 25th October 1854.
Next of kin: Father, Joseph Brooks, living in Birmingham.
Rode with No. 4 Troop (under T.S.M. O'Hara). See copy of his Troop muster roll in the 17th Lancer "Scrapbook".
He is mentioned in the relatively extensive "Memoirs" of 840 William Butler, whose best friend he was, as having been killed on the passage down (while passing Number One Redoubt). [LINK TO 840 WILLIAM BUTLER]. There is a copy in the "Memoirs" file. [TRANSCRIBED]
"...the word to mount was given. The order was quickly obeyed. Walk, trot, gallop, was sounded by Lord Cardigan's trumpeter, Wm Britton [Brittain], who on that day was killed [PB: he died of his wounds at Scutari, 14 February 1855].
Captain Nolan had not gone 400 yards when he was shot, the first to [f]all in our charge.
Just as we got to No. 1 redoubt, my right-hand man Walter Brooks, was also shot. He was my comrade for over three years, from the time I went to the 4th troop.
We got a bit further, when my left-hand man fell. My blood was up, and I began to wish to get near the enemy. Shot and shell were coming in all directions. What few reached the guns — and I amongst them — cut away like madmen and succeeded in taking and spiking them [PB: the guns were not spiked].
Some sound being heard, which I took for rally, the signal to retire, we got together what few we could, but going back was worse than coming, for a regiment was drawn across our path, and guns were playing upon us.
Coming back I was attacked by two Cossacks. I engaged the one on my right, and despatched him at the time the other made a cut at me which just caught my nose, chin, and bridle hand; but he never cut another, for I left him on the ground.
Going a little further my horse was shot beneath me and I lay weltering in blood and swooned. I should think I must have lain there two or three hours before I came to. I did not know where I was until a French sentry challenged me, and I was taken to the French doctor, who dressed my wounds.
I did not get to my own lines till next day and then I was made much of by the few who were left. We had to shift camp, and the next night there was a turn out. I went to the doctor, who examined my wounds and did all he could for me, but there were plenty worse than me.
[Source: add info.]
Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps for Alma, Balaclava and Sebastopol.
Killed in action at Balaclava, 25th October 1854.
Next of kin: Father, Joseph Brooks, living in Birmingham.
[PB: Hs death was reported in British newspapers about three weeks later.]
DNW auction, 20 May 2020
Census information for 1841, and the DNW auction in 2020, kindly provided by Chris Poole.