From the News

Sgt. Thomas Henry Brooker, Sergeant-Cook in France, Shell Shocked, Returns to Canada

Toronto Evening Telegram Published: May 27, 1918

If this newspaper article has correctly stated his age, Sgt. Thomas Henry Brooker appears to have reduced his age in his 1916 attestation to 45 years. The 169th Battalion of Toronto was ultimately broken up for reinforcements.

Dated: May 27, 1918

SERGT. T. H. BROOKER BACK.

After two years' service in France Sergt. T. H. Brooker returned home Sunday one week ago, and was among the twelve quarantined at the Base Hospital for measles. He has been granted furlough, and is at his home, 683 Brock ave.

The sergeant went over with the 169th Battalion in September, 1915, and because he was over fifty they tried to keep him in England, but he got to France as sergeant-cook with the 10th Construction Battalion.

Three times he saw his cookhouse blown up with shells. Though unwounded, he suffered severe shock, followed by paralysis, and after some time in hospital he was sent back to Canada. He came from London with his family twelve years ago, and was at several Niagara camps with the A.S.C. He speaks well of treatment in England and here during the unfortunate quarantine at the Base Hospital.¹

¹Toronto Base Hospital was on Gerrard Street. The building is still there and had undergone major renovations in recent years.

Transcribed by: M. I. Pirie