Andrew and James Yeates
Andrew Yeates, an auctioneer and agent from South Australia, was 55 years old when he volunteered for the Australian Imperial Force on 11 September 1914. At this time enlistment standards were strictly enforced, so Yeates lowered his age by 11 years in order to enlist.
Three days later his 21-year-old son, James, also enlisted. Father and son travelled on separate ships to Egypt, where they completed their training before landing on Gallipoli in 1915. Andrew Yeates served with the 9th Light Horse Regiment and rose to the rank of trooper, while Private James Yeates served with the 4th Field Ambulance.
In August Trooper Yeates was badly wounded in the fighting near Lone Pine and died three days later on board a hospital ship. He was buried at sea near the Greek island of Lemnos. James Yeates went on to serve for the remainder of the war and eventually returned to Australia in December 1918.
A group of infantrymen and light horsemen in a trench on Gallipoli, May 1915. Trooper Andrew Yeates is seen at the rear, smoking a pipe. His son, Private James Yeates, is in the foreground.
Activities
- Walers were the preferred breed of horse used by the light horse during the First World War. What qualities do you think horses may have needed to have been suitable for service?
- What does the photograph of Trooper Andrew Yeates and his son tell you about conditions on Gallipoli?
- It was common for members of the same family to serve together in the First World War. Use the links to find out more about the following sets of brothers.
The Hunters
"DNA Breakthrough Identifies WW1 Soldier - The Daily Telegraph 16/09/07
Forever Yours
The Seabrooks
The Seabrook brothers - AWM blog
The Langtips
The Langtips - AWM website