David Kenneth Brooks (12 March 1924 – January 2002 (aged 77–78)) was born in Merton Park attending Rutlish School (1935–42) [1] before embarking on wartime service with the Fleet Air Arm flying a Swordfish which he described as "an aircraft of ponderous design and purpose.
[2] After the end of the Second World War he joined the family business and combined his career with playing rugby for Harlequins who he joined in 1943,[3] emerging in the post-war years alongside the likes of Alan Grimsdell, Hugh Forbes and Roger ‘Chalky’ Whyte who were said to have "added to the strength and flair of the side".
During his playing career Brooks combined his playing exploits with work as the press officer for Harlequins (and Surrey RFU), and he went on to manage Quins on their 1956 tour of Romania which "would establish “Brooky’s” reputation as a tour manager who could get out of seemingly hopeless situations with the appropriate diplomatic touch".
"Wrecker", as he came to be known [5] and who was described by Roger Young as " rugby's answer to Oliver Reed...who like nothing better than a party each night..."[6] was to manage the Lions on their 1968 tour to South Africa where they began with 6 opening provincial wins including a 32–6 victory over Rhodesia a fixture which he was instrumental in arranging as he refused to take delivery of telegram stating the team was not to go.
David's youngest grandson Mark Tampin has played professional rugby for Rotherham Titans, Jersey Reds, Ealing Trailfinders and currently represents Newcastle Falcons.