Lawrence Osmond COATES

Regimental number7214
Place of birthOvens Plains, Victoria
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationGrazier
AddressBalranald, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinFather, J Coates, Glendee, Balranald, New South Wales
Enlistment date29 March 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name8th Battalion, 24th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/25/6
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A70 Ballarat on 19 February 1917
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll8th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Work at Lihons on 11 August 1918.
Recommendation date: 17 August 1918

FateReturned to Australia 12 June 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Photo: Peter Dennis
Medals

Military Medal

'During the attack on LIHONS on the 11th August 1918 Private COATES was a member of a Lewis Gun Section. The N.C.O. in charge of the section becoming a casualty, Private COATES took charge of the gun and section and pushed forward. When the advance encountered heavy opposition from hostile Machine Guns COATES went boldy forward firing his gun from the hip and knocking out two enemy Machine Guns that were holding up his portion of the line. His initiative and dash with his Lewis Gun was of invaluable assistance to his company and he saved many casualties by rushing forward and holding down the enemy fire to permit his part of the line to advance.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death30 October 1967
Age at death75
Place of burialBalranald Cemetery, New South Wales