Having known Vic since late 1959 it is safe to say that he was an old friend who will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with Lynne and the family at this moment and I send my deepest condolences to them. Rest in peace old friend.

Dick Hayes

Its very sad to hear of one of your old mates dying, vic looked so well when I last saw him at winchester and we were talking about when we first met on the train from the hook to wuppatal  in 1959, I wish his wife and all the familey my sympathy

albert

I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Vic Brookes. I knew him from Celle and subsequent times. He was a genuinely nice bloke and a good soldier. He helped me by giving good advice, and when I last saw him in Felixstowe I was struck by how little he had changed over the many years since I last saw him.

Another sad loss for the Regimental Family. Each mans passing touches us all and leaves us less well off in the companionship of brothers.

As a Rifleman, the prowess of people like Vic Brookes was always something for us to aim for!! No pun intended.    A Great Guy, I know he enjoyed his visits to Felixstowe and meeting up with loads of his old friends.  He will be sadly missed by us all.   Our Sympathies go out to Lynn and the family.

Gorodn Pilcher

Secretary

Suffolk Branch

Have just found out about Vic,and am saddend by his passing.

A good soldier,agood mate and good times remembered.

Our condolences to his family.

Vics funeral went off as well as such sad occasions can.

The church service conducted at Escomb village church was simple and well attended by members of the local community. The Vicar did an excellent job of capturing Vic`s achievements and personality in his address and I had the privilege of reading the Lesson. The Bugler did a wonderful job of Last Post and Reveille and there was hardly a dry eye in the tiny Norman church. I would like to thank 1RGJ Rear Party for supplying the Bugler and his transport and especially the Bugler himself who gave up a day of his block leave to help us see Vic off in style.

Apart from Penny and I Marianne and Pete Layton made the journey from the south and there were also several ex RGJ who live in that area in attendance as well as 4 or 5 friends from Vic`s service with 7LI (TA). Given the distance involved and it being the peak of the holiday season coupled with the fact that so many of us now reside in the south of the country it was understandable that attendance would be limited.

However, Lynne has indicated that Vic`s ashes will be spread at Bisley within the next couple of months or so which will be a fitting end to a man who gave so much to the Regiment. I am sure this will make it possible for some of his shooting team colleagues and friends to attend the closer venue.   

As some of you will be aware shortly before he became ill for the last time Vic and I were working together on the `History of the RGJ Shooting Team` (click here to go there now). These pages, which are part of the RGJ Photo Web Site, will now be dedicated to the memory of Vic and all that he achieved for the Regiment. I hope that I will be able to find someone who will help me complete this part of the web site or at least be given access the material that will enable me to complete it alone.

 

I have only just returned from holiday and heard the sad news of Vics passing. I spent 4 months sharing a room with Vic in St Martins Plain Camp in 1976 when the shooting team were training from Berlin. That was a very hot summer and of course every night was spent in the local opposite the camp but not Vic. He was so dedicated to his shooting that he stayed in the room with his book every night and was fast asleep when I rolled into bed. A gentleman and good friend. I didnt Know his family but I send my condolences and god bless you.