World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Madeley, England, he served as a Major in the 2nd Battalion, The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, British Army. On August 26, 1914 at Le Cateau, France, Major Yate commanded one of the two companies that remained to the end in the trenches. When all other officers had been killed or wounded and ammunition exhausted, he led his 19 survivors against the enemy in a charge. He was captured by the Germans and interned in a prisoner of war camp at Torgau, Saxony, Germany. After repeated attempts, he escaped a month later on September 19, 1914, but was quickly apprehended on the road from Torgau to Mühlberg by local factory workers who suspected his appearance and cut his throat to avoid recapture and possible execution as a spy. For most prestigious gallantry, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on November 25, 1915.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Madeley, England, he served as a Major in the 2nd Battalion, The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, British Army. On August 26, 1914 at Le Cateau, France, Major Yate commanded one of the two companies that remained to the end in the trenches. When all other officers had been killed or wounded and ammunition exhausted, he led his 19 survivors against the enemy in a charge. He was captured by the Germans and interned in a prisoner of war camp at Torgau, Saxony, Germany. After repeated attempts, he escaped a month later on September 19, 1914, but was quickly apprehended on the road from Torgau to Mühlberg by local factory workers who suspected his appearance and cut his throat to avoid recapture and possible execution as a spy. For most prestigious gallantry, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on November 25, 1915.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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