Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The India General Service Medal awarded to Colonel H. T. S. Yates, Royal Garrison Artillery, who served as Commander of the Royal Guernsey Artillery and Engineers (Militia) from 1903-08, and was ‘Mentioned’ for his services during the Great War when over 70 years of age

India General Service 1854-95, 2 clasps, Burma 1885-7, Burma 1887-89, top lugs removed from first, and second clasp consequently loose as issued (Major H. T. S. Yates No. 1 By. 1st. Bde. E. Dn. R.A.) the second clasp unattached, minor edge bruise, better than very fine £300-£400

Henry Townley Scott Yates was born at Birch in Rusholme, Lancashire, in 1846. A fine obituary offers a good appreciation of his life and distinguished military career:

‘Colonel H. T. S. Yates.

Colonel Henry Townley Scott Yates who died recently at Weymouth at the age of 77, was the son of His Honour Judge Yates of Wellbank, Cheshire. Educated at Rugby and Woolwich, he entered the Royal Artillery in 1868, his first service being in India, where he spent many years. Later he served in Burma and commanded the column which proceeded to Burma and took over the North Shan State. For these services he received a brevet and held the Burma medal and two clasps for 1885-87 and 1887-90 (sic). Later, he was commanding R.A. at Woolwich, and eventually commanded the district in succession to General Maurice. After having served in all four branches of the Royal Artillery, he was retired on account of age in 1903. On retirement he took command of the Royal Guernsey Artillery and Engineers (Militia), which command he held for five years.

In the Great War he entered (at the age of 60) the Territorial Artillery as a Captain, in May, 1915, and took command of the 3/1st South Midland Heavy Battery, R.G.A... In July, 1915, he was appointed C.R.A. of the 31st South Midland Brigade, Royal Artillery, and commanded the division at Churn and Bristol. In January 1916, he was appointed to command No.7 Artillery Training School at Winchester. He was placed on the Reserve in August, 1916, and was mentioned in the Gazette in February 1917, for his services in the war... His sons have distinguished themselves in the Army, two being Colonels.’