William Coates MM (SN 3265) born in Ballarat, was a 26 year old painter when he first enlisted in Ballarat on September 9th 1914. He embarked on December 22nd and in April 1915 he landed at Gallipoli to serve with the 14th Infantry Battalion. Illness forced his return to Egypt and then to Australia and he was discharged as medically unfit on September 24th 1916. He re-enlisted on March 2nd 1917 and, assigned to the 3rd Pioneer Battalion, embarked aboard the Themistocles on August 4th. Aside from an accidental knee injury, he avoided serious combat wounds and the high point of his service came on September 6th 1918 when his gallantry earned for him a Military Medal, his citation in part reading, ‘During the whole of the day’s operation Corporal Coates showed a spirit of fearlessness and devotion to duty, which did much to encourage the men under him, setting a fine example to all.’ At the war’s end he returned to Australia aboard the Konigin Luise, disembarked on August 13th 1919 and was discharged on September 12th.