BATES, John Henry

Next of Kin: George Daniel & Catharine Bates, Goderich, Ontario

Occupation: Printer

Personal Details: 5 ft. 10 in., 150 lbs., fair complexion, blue eyes, ruddy hair, Presbyterian

The oldest son of George Daniel and Catharine Bates, John Henry Bates was employed as a printer with the Goderich newspaper, The Signal, when he enlisted with the 161st Huron Battalion on January 7th, 1916.  His younger brother Charles Frederick, a telephone repairman, followed shortly thereafter, joining the “Huron’s” just 20 days later. 

The brothers trained with the battalion throughout the spring and summer at Wolseley Barracks in London, followed by two months at Camp Borden.  On November 1, 1916, the 161st Battalion sailed for England aboard the S.S. Lapland, arriving at Liverpool on November 11th.  The brothers were quickly separated when John was transferred to the 58th Battalion and proceeded overseas to France on November 27, 1916.  He left Canadian Base Details on December 19th and joined his unit in the field on December 22nd.

In early July of 1917 the 58th Battalion was enjoying a short period of time out of the front line at Canada Camp, a few miles west of Vimy.  On July 10th the battalion went into divisional reserve, replacing the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles.  On July 12th two companies moved forward to form working parties, while the remainder of the Battalion moved to dugouts in the Zouave Valley.  On the evening of the 16th “A” and “D” companies were relieved by “B” and “C” companies.  On July 17th Private Bates suffered gunshot wounds which fractured his leg.  He was treated at No. 7 Casualty Clearing Station where he was reported dangerously ill, and he died later that day.

On July 26, 1917, The Signal reported the sad news, and provided readers with the following insight, “He was a fine strapping young fellow, and had not yet completed his twenty-first year.  He was a printer, having learned his trade with The Signal and working in this office up to the time of his enlistment.  He was one of the most lovable of boys, with the cheeriest of dispositions, and no doubt met his last enemy with smiling face and untroubled eyes.  He was devoted to his father and mother and his death is a great blow to them.  In the sympathy which goes to the parents from all understanding hearts, John’s former comrades in this office join with especial feeling.  To Goderich’s  Roll of Honour must be added the name of another hero whose life has gone out in defense of honor and right.”