Born in Dorset, Dorset shire, England and a Draper by trade, Percival George Bates was 22 years and single when enlisted on the 19th of May 1915 in the 8th Battalion, 6th Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 2166. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A62 'Wandilla' on the 17th of June 1915. Admitted sick to hospital on the 28th of September 1915 for Influenza and at Wandsworth, England on the 11th of November 1915 for Jaundice and bronchitis and was listed as returned to Australia per H.M.T. 'Star of Victoria' on the 19th of January 1916 V.D.H. (Valvular Disease of the Heart) from Portland, England. Discharged from the 3rd Military District on the 22nd of May 1916. Tree No. 699