Soldier traced to the Vale (From Barry And District News)

Soldier traced to the Vale

A FIRST World War officer killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme has been traced back to the Vale of Glamorgan.

The life of Charles Berjew Brooke, affectionately known as Carl, is being researched by Taff Gillingham, the Trustee for the Suffolk Regiment Museum.

Charles Berjew Brooke, or Carl, was born and raised in Suffolk and killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

He was only 21.

Taff said: "His grieving parents published a memorial volume of his letters from France, which gives a great deal of information about him at that time.

However, I have been unable to trace any living relatives who may be able to give me further details.

"But I have found strong links with this area.

I have some drawings Carl did in France, which were discovered in a charity shop in Penarth.

"Also, when news was received of Carl's death, his last letter to his parents, written on the eve of battle, was published anonymously in The Times on Tuesday, July 18, 1916. The story was picked up by many other papers.

"One of which was a Welsh paper who ran a short piece by "Man About Town", on July 19, 1916.

It talks about heroes found in the least expected places and goes on to tell the story of an officer with local associations in Newport and Barry.

I know this officer was Carl.

"The Commonwealth War Graves Commission record his parents as Charles Berjew Brooke and Maud Gwenddolen Brooke.

I suspect Carl's mother is the link with South Wales and maybe his sister or other relatives survive.

I would be delighted to meet or correspond with anyone who knew him."

If you can help, contact Taff Gillingham, Trustee, The Suffolk Regiment Museum, Le Cateau, 218 Colchester Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 4QZ. e-mail taff@taffmail.demon.co.uk