17811 PTE F.BATES SUFF.R.
Fred Bates
Born Long Sutton, Lincs
To France 31/8/15 with 9th Suffolk Regiment
When the 9th Suffolk Regt was disbanded 16/2/18, Fred Bates transferred to the 5th Entrenching Battalion, one of 25 such battalions created to help improve the existing defences in anticipation of a German offensive. In the wake of the German Spring Advance, this temporary unit was disbanded in April 1918
For more details of these rather short-lived units - Click Here
Fred Bates was then attached 11th Lancashire Fusiliers
Reported Missing 15/4/18
Officially KIA 20/4/18
Buried in Croix-Du-Bac British Cemetery, Steenwerck, France
With copy of his Medal Index Card, plus SDGW & CWGC details
Condition: Minor spot on scroll, EF