Charles Brooks was born in Sawley in 1874. He married Charlotte Paulson in 1897. They lived in Cross Street, and he worked as a joiner at Clayes railway wagon works in Long Eaton. Their children were:
- Charles William (1897-1919)
- Albert (1899-)
- Harold (1912-)
- Joy (1914- )
By 1919 they’d moved to 13 Arnold Avenue. In 1939 they were at 27 Plant Lane and Charles was a joiner in the art silk industry. Harold and Joy were still with them.
During the Great War Charles William Brooks served with the Yorkshire Light Infantry, then with 13th Battalion, Rifle Brigade. He died on 13 Jan 1919, aged 21, at Netley, Hampshire; probably in the Royal Victoria Military Hospital. He was buried at Sawley 3 days later with fully military honours.
