George Edward Cates

George Edward Cates
Born	May 9, 1892 Wimbledon, London, UK
Died	March 8, 1917(1917-03-08) (aged 24) Bouchavesnes, France
Buried	Hem Farm Military Cemetery, Hem-Monacu
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Rank	Second Lieutenant
Unit	The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own)
Battles/wars	World War I
Awards	Victoria Cross

George Edward Cates VC (9 May 1892 – 8 March 1917) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Cates was born on 9 May 1892 to George and Alice Ann Cates, of Wimbledon, London.^[1]

He was 24 years old, and a second lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own), British Army during the First World War, and was awarded the VC for his actions on 8 March 1917 at Bouchavesnes, France during which he was killed.

Citation[]

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

— London Gazette, dated 11 May 1917^[2]

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum, Winchester, England.

Wimbledon War Memorial plaque to Second Lieutenant George Cates

References[]

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