Medal & Mortality index
The Victoria Cross Decoration was instituted January 29th, 1856, for the
purpose of signalising special individual acts of bravery. It may be conferred
on any rank. The Badge consists of a Bronze Cross patee with the Royal Crown in
the centre and underneath a scroll bearing the inscription '''For Valour." The
colour of the ribbon is red. :
E. of BOUCHAVESNES, FRANCE, 8th March, 1917. 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. 2/Lieutenant Gates, 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.
[Reg. No. 3035. Gazetted 27th February, killed 9th March, 1917]
1917 Mar 9 - CATES, 2/Lieutenant George Edward, Victoria Cross, 2/Rifle Brigade
; Near Ham