Charles Allix Lavington Yate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Allix Lavington Yate
VC
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| Born | 14 March 1872 Ludwigslust, Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany |
| Died | 20 September 1914 (aged 42) Torgau POW camp, Kingdom of Prussia, Germany |
| Buried |
Stahnsdorf, Berlin, Germany
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1892 - 1914 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
| Relations | Sir Charles Yate, 1st Baronet (cousin) |
Major Charles Allix Lavington Yate (born March 14, 1872 – died September 20, 1914) was a brave English British Army officer. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for courage given to soldiers in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. It's given for incredible bravery when facing the enemy.
Yate grew up in Madeley, Shropshire. He trained at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and then joined the British Army. He served in many places, including British India, Mauritius, and South Africa during the Second Boer War. He also observed during the Russo-Japanese War. From 1908 to 1914, he worked at the War Office in London.
Early Life and Military Career
Charles Yate was born in Ludwigslust, Germany, on March 14, 1872. His father was Reverend George Edward Yate, a vicar in Madeley. His cousin was Sir Charles Yate, 1st Baronet.
He went to Weymouth College. After that, he graduated from the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, ranking 9th out of 1,100 cadets. He joined the 2nd Battalion, the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, as a second lieutenant in August 1892. At that time, his battalion was stationed in Bombay, India.
He became a lieutenant in January 1894. His first combat experience was in India during the Tirah campaign from 1897 to 1898. For this, he received a medal. He was promoted to captain in July 1899.
Soon after, his battalion moved to South Africa when the Second Boer War began in October 1899. They fought in battles like Belmont in November 1899, where Yate was seriously injured. After the war ended in 1902, his battalion moved to Malta.
In September 1903, he married Florence Helena Brigg in London. They did not have any children. He was promoted to the rank of major in 1912. Charles Yate was very good at languages. He could speak French, German, Japanese, Hindustani, and Persian.
A Hero's Bravery: The Victoria Cross
Major Yate was 42 years old when the First World War started. He was a major in the 2nd Battalion, The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. His brave actions took place during the battle of Le Cateau in France.
On August 26, 1914, at Le Cateau, Major Yate showed incredible courage. He commanded one of the last two companies holding their positions in the trenches. All other officers had been killed or wounded, and their ammunition was gone.
Despite this, he led his 19 remaining soldiers in a charge against the enemy. This act of extreme bravery earned him the Victoria Cross.
He was captured by the German forces and sent to a prisoner of war camp in Torgau. A month later, on September 19, 1914, he tried to escape. However, he was quickly caught by local factory workers who were suspicious of him. Sadly, he died shortly after being caught again on September 20, 1914.
Four other Victoria Crosses were awarded for bravery on that same day at Le Cateau. One of these went to Lance Corporal Frederick William Holmes. Holmes later wrote about Major Yate, saying he was a "thorough gentleman" and very popular. He also said, "He was always in front, and his constant cry was 'Follow me!'"
Major Yate is buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Berlin South-Western Cemetery in Stahnsdorf, near Potsdam, Germany. His name is also on the war memorial in Madeley, England, and inside St Michael's Church, Madeley.
Remembering a Hero
Major Charles Yate's Victoria Cross medal is on display. You can see it at the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Museum. This museum is located in the Doncaster Museum in England.
