Harold Edward's Story.
Birkenhead News 19 May 1917Major Harold E. Coates
KILLED IN ACTION.
The sad news has been received by the wife and parents of Major Harold Edward Coates, of the K.L.R., that he was killed in action on the 3rd inst. The deceased officer was a native of Birkenhead, and was educated at the old Claughton Collegiate School and the Birkenhead Institute. On leaving school he was apprenticed in Liverpool to the provision trade, and later went to London, where after a short time, he became a member of the Baltic Exchange. On the outbreak of war he enlisted as a private, being later promoted to Corporal, and in December, 1914, obtained his commission. He was again promoted to full Lieutenant in October, 1915, and to captain on going to the front in September, 1916, subsequently receiving further promotion to the rank of major. Major Coates married Miss Alice B. Grocott, in January, and was in his 31st year. Much sympathy is felt with the deceased officer’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Coates, of 11, Eaton Road , and naturally with his young widow.