Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Alfred was born at Barnard Castle in 1884 and was baptised on November 30th 1884 at the local church.
The 1891 census show him and his sister Edith living with their grandparents at Queen Street Barnard Castle. Several other members of the family lived together with them.
Alfred married Olive Mary Walton at Darlington on March 28th 1910. They had 2 children Greta and Alfred Leslie.
The 1911 records Alfred and his new family living at Guy’s Cottages, Market Place, Barnard Castle. He worked as a baker/confectioner with Mr J T Atkinson who had a business in the town.
Alfred attested for service on December 3rd 1915. He first of all served with the 7th Reserve Battalion Durham Light Infantry as number 4908 then at a date not known was transferred to 12th Battalion the Manchester Regiment as number 270166.
His military record shows him to be 5’4” tall with no distinctive marks. His faith was Church of England.
He was at home until 04th July 1916 when he was posted to France.
Alfred died at a general hospital in France on Tuesday November 6th 1918 from a combination of wounds and bronchopneumonia.
His headstone has the following inscription :- Death divides but fond memory clings. Peace perfect peace.
The Etaples Military Cemetery is the largest CWGC in France and is located near Boulogne on the former site of a large hospital complex used by the Allies in the First World War.
Alfred Coates is remembered at Barnard Castle on B135.02, B135.23 and B135.25
