Selected Biography

Coates, Henry Thomas – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1876.  Parents: Gallant Samuel Coates (Gardener) and Martha Allen [née Whittle] (Horsehair Weaver).  Home: Holland Cottages, The Green, Long Melford (1881), 59 High Street, Long Melford (1911), Westgate Street, Long Melford [1920].  Occupation: Carpenter [1896], Groom and Gardener (1911), Soldier [1896 to 1920].  Married: Florence Maria Lavers in 1907.  Service Record: Henry was a member of 2^nd [Volunteer] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment before attesting in 1896 as Dvr.T/12044 with the Army Service Corps, seeing service in the Second Anglo-Boer War from 1901 to 1902.  He was posted to France from 5.10.1914 and as Sgt.12544 serving with 3^rd Railway Supply Detachment, ASC from 7.10.1915 to 27.11.1916.  In March 1919 he transferred to 1021^st [Horse Transport] Company, ASC as part of the Army of Occupation in Germany, being discharged in May 1920.  Died: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk in 1937.[1]

[1] See his Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329], and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372].