Lieutenant-Colonel W.D. Brooks
6th Armoured (1st Hussars) Regiment

Major Brooks displayed outstanding leadership and inspiration to his squadron and is responsible for having placed a large proportion of his special assault tanks on the beach despite all hazards of weather, beach obstacles and enemy action. He immediately attacked the beach defences with great courage and skill which made it possible for the assault infantry to land on the beach and go forward to gain their objectives.

(D.S.O. citation, 31 Aug 1944)

Born on 2 June 1908 in Brantford, Ontario, William Dudley Brooks commanded “A” squadron of the 1st Hussars on D-Day. Launching experimental DD or Duplex Drive tanks proved a serious challenge for the squadron under difficult weather conditions and rough seas. Despite a late landing and several sunk tanks, Brooks directed seven DD tanks in support of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, earning a D.S.O.: “The action and leadership of this officer largely influenced the success of the assault landing and the gaining of the beach head.”

He later served as second-in-command under Lieutenant-Colonel Frank White, who commanded the 1st Hussars for almost the entire Northwest Europe campaign. Less than a month after V-E Day, White learned that his father had died in Canada. He returned home, handing command over to Brooks, who led the regiment until demobilization six months later.

Brooks died on 24 February 1991 and is buried in Brantford.