2/Lt George Edward CATES VC, d. 09.03.17

[Stephen Nulty]

2/Lt George Edward CATES VC 2 Bn, Rifle Brigade, who died aged 24 on 09.03.17. Hem Farm Military Cemetery, France

CWGC

Name: CATES, GEORGE EDWARD

Initials: G E

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Regiment: Rifle Brigade

Unit Text: 2nd Bn.

Age: 24

Date of Death: 09/03/1917

Awards: VC

Additional information: Son of George and Alice Ann Cates, of 39, Compton Rd., Wimbledon, London.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: I. G. 15.

Cemetery: HEM FARM MILITARY CEMETERY, HEM-MONACU

VC Citation

An extract from the "London Gazette", dated 11th May, 1917, recorded the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice. When engaged with some other men in deepening a captured trench this officer struck with his spade a buried bomb, which immediately started to burn. 2nd Lt. Gates, in order to save the lives of his comrades, placed his foot on the bomb, which immediately exploded. He showed the most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in performing the act which cost him his life, but saved the lives of others."

George Cates’ Victoria Cross is on display at the Royal Green Jackets Museum, Winchester

http://www.royalgreenjackets.co.uk/museumframeset.htm

[Bob Coulson]

VC presented presumably to his family in Hyde Park by the King on June 2nd 1917.

Bob.

[Myrtle]

"ODGW" has George Cates as Died How: Died.

[Myrtle]

2/Lt. Geoffrey Cates 10th Bn attd 2nd Bn. Durham Light Infantry KiA 21/03/18, was George's brother. There is also a note on the CWGC details saying that there was also another brother William Frederick, lost at sea.