WWI medals returned to Brooks family

A Bendigo man, Stephen Brooks, has made the pilgrimage to Cootamundra reclaiming war medals awarded to his ancestors just in time for Anzac Day.

War history is incredibly meaningful to Mr Brooks who travelled to visit the soldiers’ graves in France many years ago.

The medals, which have been held safely in a Cootamundra RSL Sub Branch collection of memorabilia, are now safe in his hands. 

“I’m extremely humbled that they have decided to return the medals to our family, we’re very proud of these two men, and we’re extremely grateful to have them back in our possession.”

Mr Brooks is on his way home to Victoria, and will present the medals to his father.

“At 88 years of age he’s still very proud of his two uncles, he will be very delighted when I take them down and present them to him on Anzac Day.

“They were good looking country boys who left their families possibly with a sense of adventure.

“When they got there they were good, fighting soldiers and they gave their lives so that we have a better life.

“I just always want to remember them.”

Sub Branch president Gary James and parade marshall Jim Galloway were more than willing to pass the medals onto the family.

“As years have gone on pride has come back to the family, and we’re very proud and honoured to pass on the medals today,” Mr James said at the handover ceremony on Tuesday.

Mr Brooks commended sub branch representatives on their professionalism.

“I’ve been dealing with Jacqui Vincent from the sub branch and it’s unbelievable the generosity of the sub branch in passing the medals back and wanting to have a handover, it’s just excellent, wonderful,” he said.

Mr Brooks mentioned that his great grandmother Martha Brooks opened the Cootamundra cenotaph on November 11, 1923 after having five sons fight in World War One; known as the mother who was most loyal to country in Cootamundra.