BATES, John Henry

DIVISIONAL UNIT:  3rd Canadian Infantry Division, 9th Infantry Brigade, 58th Battalion - Central Ontario, Canadian Infantry Corps 
RESIDENCE:  Goderich – Ontario 
PARENTS NAME: Mr. George and Catharine Bates – Goderich - Ontario
Occupation:   Printer                                  
Religion:     Presbyterian

The 161st Battalion arrived overseas in Liverpool on November 11, 1916 and once in England Private Bates transferred to the 58th Battalion. He then went overseas into France on November 27, 1916 joining his unit which was already in the field, on December 22, 1916.

The weather on July 17, 1917 was satisfactory with scattered clouds and winds south-west at 15 mph. A large raid was planned to move forward south of the Souchez River. The raiding party would have the support of machine guns and support from the Divisional artillery and large guns. The objective was to give the enemy the impression that an operation was taking place to take the high ground at Fosse.  
The 1st Objective – Metal Trench to the Fosse railroad
The 2nd Objective – was the enemy dugouts and trench mortar emplacements in the railway embankment and from the enemy’s communications trench to the tunnel.
Upon completion of the final objective the raiding party was to withdraw under cover of a rear guard. Posts would be left in the enemy line in the event the German infantry does not re-occupy those positions. 
Private Bates was wounded in the legs which caused a fracture in one leg. He was treated at No. 7 British Casualty Clearing Station but upon arrival was deemed to be dangerously ill. His wounds were fatal and the medical personnel could not save his life and he died later that day.