The Rushden Echo Friday 26 October 1917, transcribed by Nicky Bates

Rushden Soldier's Death Private Herbert Bates Succumbs to Wounds

We are sorry to report the death, which took place on October 8th, from wounds received in action, of Pte Herbert Bates, 6019, - Suffolk Regiment, son of Mrs Desborough, of Crabb-street, Rushden, and of the late Mr William Bates, who died 26 years ago.

The late Pte Herbert Bates joined the Colours in March, 1916, and went out to France the last week in August, 1916. Though he had been through many fierce battles he had, up to the time of he was fatally wounded, never received a scratch. Deceased, who was 30 years of age last May, had been expected home on leave shortly, and the news of his death came as a great shock to his mother and the family. Before joining up, the late Pte Bates worked for Messrs. Bull & Clayton, boot manufacturers, Rushden, as a clicker, and previously was in the employ of Messrs. Knight & Lawrence. As a lad he was a scholar in the Park-road Baptist Sunday school. He was a member of the Rushden and Higham branch of the Boot and Shoe Operatives' Union, of which his uncle (Mr Charles Bates) is the president. A quiet, steady man, he was greatly respected by his associates, and his death will be deplored.

Mrs Desborough has another son serving with the Colours - Pte Frank Bates of the Northamptons, who joined His Majesty's Forces in January this year and went out to France the first week in August.

The deceased soldier's father, the late Mr William Bates, who was a native of Podington, and who was well known during his life-time and much respected, was a brother of Mr Charles Bates and Mr Matthew Bates, of Rushden.