Private John Milton Gates was born in Linwood, Ontario on May 12, 1893. His parents were Michael and Mary L. (Schnurr). The original spelling of the last name was Goetz, but was changed sometime around 1916. Before he enlisted he was working as a bank teller at the Bank of Nova Scotia.
A press clipping from October 23, 1918 told of John's death, and gave a brief history of his life. He enlisted in London, Ontario March 1915 into the 7th Canadian Mounted Rifles and later transferred to Fort Garry Horse as Private/Trooper. His regimental number is 112053 and attestation number is 7447. He left for overseas May 1915, and came home on furlough from April 1917 until November 9, 1917. He was killed in action by enemy shell fire while taking part in the battle of Gattigny Wood in France on October 9, 1918.
He is buried in Highland Cemetery, Le Cateau, France Plot 6 Row D. He was survived by his sisters Mrs. W.W. Martinson of Hawkesville, Ontario and Mrs. F.B. Edmunds of High Park Toronto and the Misses Ella, Laura and Ruby Gates of Toronto. His name is inscribed on the cenotaph in Wellesley Township in the village of Linwood.
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Source Organization
Kitchener Public Library
Collection
Soldier Information Cards - World War One
Transcription
Gates, John Milton
Private.
He lived in Linwood.
He was killed in action October 9, 1918.