English Victoria Cross recipient (1892-1917)

George Edward Cates

Born| 9 May 1892
Wimbledon, London, UK
Died| 9 March 1917(1917-03-09) (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 - 9 March 1917) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), 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] After attending Rutlish School in Merton, he worked as a clerk for an insurance company. In December 1914, after the outbreak of the First World War, he joined the 28th London Regiment (Artists’ Rifles), and went to France in August 1915. He was later commissioned second lieutenant.[2]

He was a 24 years old 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.

## Citation[edit]

> 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. Cates, 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[3]

Cates died of his wounds the next day.[1] Two of his brothers also died during the war.[4][5]

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum, Winchester, England.[2]

Cates is commemorated on both the Wimbledon and Richardson Evans Memorial Fields war memorials, and has a plaque at the former.[6]

## References[edit]

1. ^ a b Cates, George Edward, Commonwealth War Graves Commission
2. ^ a b "George Edward Cates VC: biography". VConline.org.uk. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
3. ^ "No. 30064". The London Gazette (Supplement). 11 May 1917. p. 4587.
4. ^ Cates, Geoffrey, Commonwealth War Graves Commission
5. ^ Cates, William Frederick, Commonwealth War Graves Commission
6. ^ See Wikimedia Commons pictures at: Photo - War Memorial, Richardson Evans Memorial playing fields Photo - Memorial plaque to Second Lieutenant George Cates

Authority control |

* Commonwealth War Graves Commission

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