Current Information:

Age-35

Born & Enlisted-Willesden

Ration Farm (La Plus Douve) Annexe, Belgium

On 30th April  1916, 24th Division, were holding the line at Wulverghem, south of Ypres, when, not unexpectedly,  the Germans launched a gas attack.  This was accompanied by heavy rifle and machine gun fire against most of 73 Brigade  and  72 Brigade, and also 76 Brigade, of 3rd Division.  In the line were 13th Middlesex and 2nd Leinster of 73 Brigade, 8th Royal West Surrey (Queens) and 1st North Staffordshire of 72 Brigade and 10th Royal Welsh Fusiliers of 76 Brigade. There were many casualties, including John Bates.