Alfred James (Alfie) Gates

Personal Information
Date of Birth	not known
Place of Birth	Jarrahdale, Western Australia
Death	not known
Place of Death	not known
Age at Enlistment	22 years, 6 months
Description	none provided
Occupation	clerk
Religion	Church of England
Address	Mundijong, Western Australia
Next of Kin	Wife Mrs Regina Joanna Gates
Military Information
Reg Number	none issued
Date of Enlistment	13 Feb 1916 - 19 Apr 1916
Rank	Private
Unit/Formation	Not allocated
Fate	Did not leave Australia
Medals	Nil

Pre War

Alfie had married Regina Joanna Lawson at Jarrahdale in early 1912.

War Service

Entered camp on 27 Mar 1916, but was discharged at his own request on 19 Apr 1916 on payment of £1-0-0.

A letter on file, headed Fremantle states

"I hereby certify that Mrs Joanna Gates, wife of Pte Alfred Jas Gates, now in Blackboy Camp, is suffering from neurasthenia, part due to pregnancy, and part due to temperament. She is fretting for her husband and asking for his release from the Expeditionary Forces. Indecipherable M.D.

Gates application for discharge addressed to the Camp Commandant reads

"Dear Sir, I herewith make application for discharge from the A.I.F. My reasons are that the condition of my wife's health is not too good. She has two (2) young children to look after, and is expecting to have another one shortly, and this combined with living by herself is causing me grave concern and I am afraid of he health breaking down completely.

Hoping my application will be favourably considered.

I remain Dear Sir, Yours obediently, A Gates, 58th Depot Company.

Post War

Electoral Roll entries - 1916 at 6 Harwood place, Balkatta, clerk; 1916 moved to 13 Robertson street, East Perth; 1922 with Timber Corporation, Greenbushes, clerk; 1925 - 1931 Palgarrup, accountant. Last entry for Alfred was 1925 and Joanna 1931.

Notes

Palgarrup is approx. 10 km north of Manjimup.