Pte. F.C. Yates
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| First name(s): |
Francis Cecil |
| Rank: |
Private |
| Number: |
2093 |
| Regiment etc. |
1/5th Prince of Wales Own West Yorkshire Regiment |
| Date Died: |
29th September 1915 |
| Cemetery/Memorial |
Essex Farm Cemetery, Ypres
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Francis Yates was the son of Frederick and Mary Ann Yates, who lived at 25 Hookstone Road, Harrogate.
He had worked at the Kursaal (now the Royal Hall) for ten years before volunteering for the army in August 1914, on the outbreak of war.
He began working as a programme boy and worked his way up to assistant stage manager. He appears to have been a popular and accomplished young man. He was well respected at work, was learning (successfully) to play the cello and played in the Harrogate Municipal Orchestra.
He was also a gifted sportsman, playing football for several local clubs, including West Park, and also enjoyed cricket and athletics.
He was shot in the head whilst on duty near the Yser River, near Ypres, and died two hours later without regaining consciousness.
He was buried in a cemetery next to a dressing station known as "Essex Farm", to which the wounded Francis had presumably been taken by his comrades. It was in this dressing station that one of the surgeons, John McRae, wrote one of the best known poems of the First World War: "In Flanders Fields".
His parents received the following letters:
Dear Mr Yates,
I am extremely sorry to let you know that poor Cecil was killed this morning. I don't know how it happened, but he was hit on the top of his head by a rifle bullet. This was about 7 O'Clock and he died about nine.
From the time he was hit to the time that he died he never once regained consciousness, so I hope this may console you to know that he would have no pain
He will be buried tonight out of the trenches near the canal and you can take it from me that he will be buried practically as decently as if he was at home. Afterwards a decent wooden cross will be placed in his grave and sodded.
I thought I would write you this short note with being one of his chums, but someone else may write and tell you more, so I will close by expressing my deepest sympathy for you all. Goodbye.
From his old chum,
Cliff.
Dear Mr. Yates,
I am writing these few lines to express my deepest sympathy with you and Mrs Yates in the death of your son, No. 2093 Pte. C Yates, who was killed in the trenches yesterday morning. He suffered no pain, being shot in the head and unconscious from first to last.
I was present at his funeral which took place last night. He is laid to rest in a little cemetery on the canal bank, alongside others of his comrades who have fallen. All the men in my platoon mourn a cheery comrade and a good soldier.
I am yours truly,
R.M. Wood Lieut.