MAJOR J. G. COATES, M.C.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4405, 24 April 1922, Page 2

MAJOR J. G. COATES, M.C.

HIS DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP IN THIRD BATTLE OF YPRES.'<; BLOODIEST BATTLE OF WAR. On the eve of the anniversary of Anzac Day, and when the Hauraki District is to be honoured by a visit from the Hon. J. G. Coates, Minister of Public Works/ it is not out of season to reprint an impartial tribute to the honourable gentleman’s personal military services to his I£ing and country. In- “The Auckland Regiment, N.ZE.F.’- the author, Lieut. 0. E. Burton, whom the writer happens to be personally acquainted with, and for whoce integrity and competency as a soldier-witness he can vouch, writes.:

. "The Third Battle of Ypres—the bloodiest most terrible fight of. the Great .War—commenced on July 31, when the British, and French attacked from Dixmude to La Basse Ville. The New Zealand division, on the extreme flank, had the task of storming the latter village and of advancing its line in conformity with the forward thrust of the Army.' The 2nd Wellington and Ist and 2nd Auckland were detailed for the purpose. Wellington had La Basse Ville itself as their objective, while the Aucklanders on their left were to push forward and establish a new outpost line.

For -three weeks Captain Coates [later raised to majority] had been training the l/15th Company in readiness for an offensive operation against the enemy position' in the Warr>ton sector. They arrived in the line during the 29/30th and were in readiness to carry put their raid, when, with little warning, the German barrage came down. It was heavy and destructive. The men lying round in shell-wholes and shallow trenches suffered severely. After some hours of heavy shelling the German infantry came on the heels, of their barrage, and, penetrating the gap between the two outposts got right in amongst the 15th. There was a confused and bloody fight in the darkness. The North Aucklanders’, maddened by their losses, ani glad of the opportunity , < bf: getting amongst the enemy fought savage ly. There was little opportunity for direction or co operation. Every man fought as best he could. ’ Revolver, bayonet, and bomb were busy. Very flew of the Germans returned to their own line. Almost the- whole of their party were killed. ■ The 15th, lost, heavily, but there were still enough of them left to go over on-t'he morning of the 31st. Spme ninety strong,, they raided the triangle between the: railway, the Douve, and our own; front line. They swept through the enemy she.ll-ih.ole system;- killing, many and taking prisoners. . . . When these posts [three outposts in, line with Stewart’s Post] had been established, the 15. th Company wera withdrawn. They had done excellent work, and. had had a rough time. Throughout the operations Captain, Coates had displayed great powers of leadership, and had set a fine example. Lieut. Lang had been conspicuous for his coolness and. bravery, and also Sergeant Rogers.”