Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reservist brothers on Centre Court at Wimbledon

Helping to ensure this weekend’s tennis finals at Wimbledon run safely and smoothly are brothers Will and James Brooks – both sailors, both Fleet Air Arm engineers and both volunteer stewards at the world-famous championships.

The pair are just two of hundreds of Armed Forces personnel who give up their leave to perform various duties across the sprawling site throughout the two-week sporting spectacle.
 
Will has been working as a steward alongside his brother on Centre Court for the past three years. His brother is a serving acting Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Navy in Portsmouth-based 1710 Naval Air Squadron, responsible for specialist repairs/modifications/engineering guidance and accident recovery of all the military’s helicopters.
 
The Brooks cover ‘Centre Court intrusion’, ensuring the safety and well-being of the players and crowd.

In Will’s own words, he said “We are engaging with the public to ensure they have a good time.”
 
In his civilian life Will is a personal trainer and upcycles old materials such as wooden pallets. Will joined the Royal Naval Reserve in 2017 after serving 24 years as a regular in the Royal Navy and is currently attached to HMS Pegasus, the umbrella unit for all Fleet Air Arm personnel. During his service he deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Mediterranean, Norway, Sierra Leonne, Australia, America, and Barbados.
 
Will added: “Joining the Royal Naval Reserves gave me the opportunity to pursue both a civilian and military career side-by-side and has proven to be extremely rewarding travelling the globe whilst serving my country.”