MILITARY CAREER.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18393, 28 May 1925, Page 8

MILITARY CAREER.

• •• t "Inspiration /to all his ' MEN."; ' (special to "the peess.") . AUCKLAND,,May 27. During the Great War Major Coates won distinction and high honours, but what will be remembered longest of aJL in connexion with his war service will; be the extraordinary hold he gained on. the affection of his men, an attachment that will ever, keep New Zealand's . new* Reform leader in close' touch wi'th/the huihblest ex- j Digger. During the darkest period of the nation's struggle ho shared the privations of liis men, endured Buffering, and cheered thein in '.tlieir worst, hours by his hardy good humour-and his example of fortitude and unfailing courage. He was ono of those who understood and entered, whole-heartedly into the true comradeship of Avar. ' "He never aalced a mail to do what he would not do himself," one Who knew him well in those days has said., "It did not matter how-'difficult .or how dangerous tlie job was, Gordon was there getting it done in the &«od. old way. We all reckoned he had a charmed life. He was not only extraordinarily brave at a time when bravery was commonplace, 'but he was extraordinarily lucky as well. Ho was always right up in front, with the bullets zipping all round him, but he through everything. Even the mud right up to his hips couldn't hold him back from the German pill-boxes in the Gravenstafel attack." Major Coates was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous bravery in the La Basseville attack of July, 1917. He displayed the utmost ability at a critical moment when a determined hostile raid was made upon his company's sector, getting his men into safety and saving many casualties by his coolness and presence of mind. He reinforced his front line and personally Established two posts which had been driven in with great skill and energy. He afterwards commanded his company in a raid upon the enemy, and his fine leadership was responsible for the success of the entire operation. Nine months later, on March 26th, 1918, Major Coates gained the bar to the Military Cross in' the desperate combat at Mailly Mailly, in which the First Auckland Battalion clashed first with the spear-head of the apparently overwhelming enemy advance. It was a most momentous trial, and its severity was attested by the appalling casualties suffered by the Aucklanders who took part in it. The award to Major Coates, who commanded the Third Auckland Company, wag at the time deemed meagre recognition of his outstanding leadership and conspicuous gallantry. He brought his company into action in perfect order, after svq days''strenuous marching, with little, rest. By forward exploiting platoons during th? night, he enabled a more advanced line to bo consolidated, securing 20 prisoners. Next day, when several of his men were killed or wounded, he showed complete indifference to danger under heavy fire, attending to the wounded and carrying men to safety. The official account o£ tHeso acts of devotion and gallant leadership concludes with the following brief but eloquent tributo:—" His willingness to sacrifice- himself for others was an inspiration to all his men.'* • ■