World War II Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. Born in Camberwell London, England, he served as a Corporal in the 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment, British Army. On August 6, 1944, near Sourdeval, France, the position held by the 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment, was attacked by the German 10th SS Panzer Division. Corporal Bates was commanding unit on the left forward section which suffered a number of casualties from heavy enemy fire, when he decided to move the remainder of his men to an alternative position to counter the enemy thrust. As about 50 to 60 Germans reached his position, Corporal Bates seized a light machine-gun, charged forward, was immediately wounded, but recovered and continued his advance firing on the enemy. Wounded a second time, he continued towards the enemy firing his weapon until the enemy started to withdraw. He was wounded for a third time by mortar bomb splinters, but still continued to advance firing, until his strength failed him. By this time the enemy had withdrawn and the situation had been restored. He died from his wounds two days later. For most prestigious gallantry, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross Medal.
World War II Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. Born in Camberwell London, England, he served as a Corporal in the 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment, British Army. On August 6, 1944, near Sourdeval, France, the position held by the 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment, was attacked by the German 10th SS Panzer Division. Corporal Bates was commanding unit on the left forward section which suffered a number of casualties from heavy enemy fire, when he decided to move the remainder of his men to an alternative position to counter the enemy thrust. As about 50 to 60 Germans reached his position, Corporal Bates seized a light machine-gun, charged forward, was immediately wounded, but recovered and continued his advance firing on the enemy. Wounded a second time, he continued towards the enemy firing his weapon until the enemy started to withdraw. He was wounded for a third time by mortar bomb splinters, but still continued to advance firing, until his strength failed him. By this time the enemy had withdrawn and the situation had been restored. He died from his wounds two days later. For most prestigious gallantry, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross Medal.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
5779898 CORPORAL
S. BATES, VC.
THE ROYAL NORFOLK REGIMENT
8TH AUGUST 1944 AGE 23
FOR VALOUR
HIS PARENTS
PROUDLY REMEMBER HIM
AS A TRUE CAMBERWELL BOY
AND A LOVING SON
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