Walter Henry Bates with his wife Martha Jane (nee Westnutt) and their children - (l-r) Dolly, Phyllis & Cecil Ernest

Walter Henry Bates was born in Rushden in 1885, son of Matthew and Jane. They lived at 17 Church Street, and Matthew who was born at Podington, was a general dealer. They had four children, Mary, George, Mabel and Walter.

Walter joined the army in 1904, for a short service - and on completion he was posted to the reserve in 1907. He met Martha Jane Westnutt, and they married in February 1908, at Wellingborough All Saints Church.

Walter Henry Bates	Martha Jane Westnutt

When war broke out in 1914, Walter enlisted in the Northamptonshire Regiment. Whilst he was in France, he wrote a postcard to his daughter: "Dear Little Phyllis, I am sending another pretty card, hope you are better now. Do you play with my Cecil. Tell your mother I am quite well again now. Lots of love and kisses from Daddy" and he also sent home some silk postcards:

	Card sent in March 1915 to daughter Phyllis Forget me not - sent in August 1915 Lucky black cat - sent in June 1916

Soon after returning from his war service, the family moved to 14 Ealing Terrace, where William Henry was trading as a confectioner, and remained there until at least 1940.

War Service	Matthew Bates died 1931	Walter died May 1960
Burglary 1924	Jane died 1938	Martha died April 1975
George Bates	Census 1911	More about the Bates Family