Alfred Thomas Yeates – Royal Marines, Royal Naval Division Transport

Private Alfred Thomas Yeates – Royal Marines, Royal Naval Division Transport

Early Life and Family Background

Alfred Thomas Yeates

Alfred Thomas Yeates was born in 1891 in Swansea, the son of George Yeates and Mary Hannah Groves, who had married in 1884 at St. Mary’s Church, Swansea. The family lived in the busy dockside districts of the town, where George worked throughout his life.

1891 Census

At the time of the 1891 Census, the Yeates family were living at 12 Clarence Street, Swansea. Alfred’s father, George, aged 36, was a Dock Labourer, born in Herefordshire, while his mother Mary H., aged 32, was born in Devon. Their children were Catherine M. (5), George E. (4), and Alfred T., then 11 months old.

1901 Census

By 1901, the family had moved to 24 Rodney Street, Swansea. George, now 46, continued to work as a Dock Labourer, and Mary, aged 42, remained at home. Their children were Catherine M. E. (15), a Tailoress Apprentice; George E. (14), a Labourer; Alfred F. (10); and Frederic C. (8).

1911 Census

A decade later, the 1911 Census records the family at 105 Rodney Street, Swansea. George, aged 56, was still employed as a Dock Labourer, and Mary, aged 51, continued to care for the household. Their children at home were Kate (25), a Tailoress; George E. (24), a Carpet Layer; Alfred (20), and Charles (18), both working as Grocers’ Carters; and Alice (8), who was attending school.

Early Military Service

Alfred Thomas Yeates
Army Records

Alfred enlisted in 1912 with the 1^st Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade Regiment, marking the beginning of his military involvement even before the outbreak of the First World War.

Service in the Royal Marines

During the First World War, Alfred served with the Royal Marines, attached to the Royal Marines Division Transport of the Royal Naval Division. This formation, composed of naval and marine personnel fighting as infantry and support units, saw extensive service on several fronts, including Gallipoli, France, and Belgium. The Transport Section played a vital role in supplying front‑line units, often operating under dangerous conditions.

Death and Commemoration

British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records

According to the British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, Alfred Thomas Yeates died of disease on 3^rd December 1918, just weeks after the Armistice. His death reflects the tragic reality that many servicemen continued to suffer from illness and the effects of wartime hardship even after the fighting had ceased.

Alfred Thomas Yeates
Étapes Military Cemetery, Pas‑de‑Calais, France
credit - findagrave

Alfred is buried at Étapes Military Cemetery, Pas‑de‑Calais, France, a major wartime hospital and base area where thousands of soldiers who succumbed to wounds or illness were laid to rest. His grave stands among those of many who did not live to see the peace they had helped secure