Eric James Bate
Information about birth
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Date of birth: 23/12/1890 |
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Place of birth: Hagley, Worcestershire, England, United Kingdom |
General information
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Last known residence: 84 Balsam Avenue, Balmy Beach, Toronto, Canada |
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Profession: Clerk for the Freight Traffic Control Department of Canada |
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Religion: Church of England |
Army information
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Country: Canada |
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Force: Canadian Expeditionary Force |
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Rank: Lance Sergeant |
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Service number: 55146 |
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Enlistment date: 15/01/1915 |
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Enlistment place: Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
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Units: — Canadian Infantry, 19th Bn. (Central Ontario) (Last known unit) |
Information about death
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Date of death: 08/11/1917 |
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Place of death: Decline Copse, Passchendaele, Belgium |
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Cause of death: Killed in action (K.I.A.) |
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Age: 26 |
Cemetery
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Tyne Cot Cemetery Plot: 35 Row: H Grave: 5 |
Distinctions and medals 4
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1914-15 Star Medal |
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British War Medal Medal |
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Military Medal Medal — 09/04/1917 |
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Victory Medal Medal |
Points of interest 4
| #1 | Last known residence | ||
| #2 | Place of birth | ||
| #3 | Enlistment place | ||
| #4 | Place of death (approximate) |
My story
Eric James Bates, a former clerk, was born on December 23rd, 1890, in Hagley, Worcestershire, England, United Kingdom, as the son of James Bradnee and Elizabeth Bate. On January 15th, 1915, he enlisted in Toronto, Canada, and served as a Lance Sergeant in the 19th Battalion, part of the 4th Canadian Brigade of the 2nd Canadian Division.
On April 9th, 1917, during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Eric was awarded the Military Medal for his exceptional leadership and bravery under fire. His citation reads:
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. During the advance, the N.C.O.'s of his section had become casualties. As senior soldier he rallied the men and by his own fearless example led the men to their objective. Throughout the action this man showed a total disregard for danger and was a brilliant example to the men.”
On November 8th, 1917, the 4th Canadian Brigade sent out the 19th Battalion, then in reserve at Brandhoek, to relieve the 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade at the frontline near Vienna Cotts. The relief was carried out too early in the afternoon, which led to casualties. A German retaliation following firing by the 19th Battalion at 3:15 p.m. also resulted in losses. Nevertheless, the battalion completed the relief and took over the frontline, with the 18th Canadian Battalion on their left and Australian forces on their right.
Eric, aged 26, was killed in action at the frontline that day. Lance Sergeant Eric James Bates is buried at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Plot XXXV, Row H, Grave 5.
On April 9th, 1917, during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Eric was awarded the Military Medal for his exceptional leadership and bravery under fire. His citation reads:
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. During the advance, the N.C.O.'s of his section had become casualties. As senior soldier he rallied the men and by his own fearless example led the men to their objective. Throughout the action this man showed a total disregard for danger and was a brilliant example to the men.”
On November 8th, 1917, the 4th Canadian Brigade sent out the 19th Battalion, then in reserve at Brandhoek, to relieve the 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade at the frontline near Vienna Cotts. The relief was carried out too early in the afternoon, which led to casualties. A German retaliation following firing by the 19th Battalion at 3:15 p.m. also resulted in losses. Nevertheless, the battalion completed the relief and took over the frontline, with the 18th Canadian Battalion on their left and Australian forces on their right.
Eric, aged 26, was killed in action at the frontline that day. Lance Sergeant Eric James Bates is buried at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Plot XXXV, Row H, Grave 5.
Sources 4
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19th Canadian Infantry Battalion. (Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa (LAC), RG9-III-D-3, 4928, T-10726, 405). https://library-archives.canada.ca Sources used |
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4th Canadian Infantry Brigade. (Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa (LAC), RG9-III-D-3, 4882, T-10679, 240). https://library-archives.canada.ca Sources used |
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Circumstances of Death Registers, First World War (Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa (LAC), RG150, 1992-93/314, 145-238). https://library-archives.canada.ca Sources used |
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Commonwealth War Graves Registers, First World War (Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa (LAC), RG150, 1992-93/314, 39-144). https://library-archives.canada.ca Sources used |
More information 4
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Commonwealth War Graves Commission Database https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/461867 |
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Namenlijst (In Flanders Fields Museum) https://namenlijst.org/publicsearch/#/person/_id=668e10c4-a199-4243-80d1-a12317caac3a |
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Lives of the First World War (Imperial War Museum) https://livesofthefirstworldwar.iwm.org.uk/lifestory/5004373 |
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The Canadian Virtual War Memorial https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial/detail/461867 |