James Yates
James Yates (Service No 12099) was born in Wollongong, N.S.W.
On 23rd December 1909 he married Ethel Koelner at Cooma, N.S.W., however Ethel died in 1913 and James was left with their daughter Iris to raise.
James was 29 years old and employed as a school teacher when he enlisted. Previously, he had served 2 years with the Light Horse Militia.
When he embarked from Sydney on HMAT A8 Argyllshire with A Section, 9th Field Ambulance on 11th May 1916 he left his daughter with his parents at Mount Keira near Wollongong.
James arrived in England on 10th July 1916 then was sent on to France, arriving on 23rd November 1916. He served on the Western Front until 28th June 1917 when he was sent to England for treatment of a broken wrist.
James was returned to Australia in December 1917 and discharged medically unfit on 22nd March 1918.
On 4th January 1919 he married Emily Hill and raised a family with her.
James died in Sydney in 1964.