John Warwick Brooke

John Warwick Brooke (1886-1929) was a British photographer and soldier. He was best known for his work as a war photographer during World War I.^[1][2]

John Warwick Brooke
Born	1886
Died	1929
Occupation(s)	Photographer, Soldier
Known for	War photographer during World War I

Early life and career

Brooke was born on May 30, 1886, in London, England. He moved to Bristol at age five and lived with his grandparents. After completing his education, he joined the Royal Navy, where his early career was marked by desertion and imprisonment. Upon his release, he became a press photographer for the Topical Press Agency in London.^[3][4]

Military service

Brooke served in the 2nd Regiment of King Edward’s Horse during World War I. His unit was stationed in France in 1915, attached to the 4th Cavalry Brigade. Brooke earned a citation for bravery, the Military Cross, and the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his leadership and courage in combat.^[5]

Photography during World War I

While in France, Brooke was one of 12 official photographers covering the Western Front.^[6][7] Promoted to lieutenant, he captured scenes often censored to exclude the brutal realities of trench warfare. His famous image of soldiers carrying a stretcher through the mud became symbolic of their perseverance. He used a Goerze-Anschultz folding-plate camera for combat photography.

Death

John Warwick Brooke died in March 1929 at the age of 42 in Uxbridge, England.^[8]