Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

William Thomas Gates SX6867
William was born at Port Adelaide on 4th September 1910 to Thomas and Florence Louisa Gates. He had others siblings including Violet, Edward and Rosa. William (Bill) married Edith Ada with the young couple living in Brompton Park while Bill worked for William Haughton and Company at their wool store. Tragedy struck the young family when they lost their 12-week-old son, Ian Francis on the 10th September 1939. They were later to have two beautiful boys, Brian and Bobby.
With the outbreak of war Bill enlisted at Wayville on the 29th June, 1940, just prior to his 30th birthday. He became SX6867 and was allocated to the newly formed 2/48th battalion, training at Woodside. He became firm friends with Rex Altschwager (SX6884) from the Riverland district of Barmera who enlisted at a similar time with the two being allocated close enlistment numbers.
Two books which detail Diver Derrick’s career make mention of Bill and Rex. The first, written by Murray Farquhar, ‘Derrick V.C.’ explained Derrick’s penchant for coining nicknames. Prior to embarking, Clem Billing, (SX6829) gave the example where ‘Bill Gates (SX6867) and Red Altschwager (SX6884) became great mates. Derrick christened them ‘Hia’ and ‘Watha’ names which stuck throughout their army service. Both men served in Derrick’s platoon.
The two were part of the large contingent from the 2/48th Battalion that embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940, arriving on the 19th December 1940. In Mark Johnston’s recently published book, ‘Derrick VC In His Own Words’ an entry on December 3rd 1940 commented that 4 Just Men, probably Derrick, Butcher, Altschwager and Gates were all on fatigue duty and did nothing all day. He explained the name 4 Just Men was from a ’39 film about four British veterans involved in foiling a plot to blow up the Suez Canal. Johnson’s meticulous annotations of Derrick’s diaries shows an entry of 7th January ’41 “Hia and Watha gone for 2 days leave to Tel Aviv” illustrating the closeness of the two enlistees. Two months later, Bill and Rex were admonished for not attending a parade on the 9th March ’41 so had probably gone sight-seeing together.
In the sparseness of his journal entries collated by Johnston, Derrick captures the horror of war and the brutal effects of losing a mate. He writes “2 May 1941 (Friday)Behind the Blue Line, Tobruk, Libya. Out early after a terrible experience – digging in about 1½ miles from front line. 2/10th going forward now – the 2/23 & 2/24 [were] cut about more than us. Will never forget the bloody blue of May the First. My cobber “Hia” Bill Gates shot in head with M.G. [machine-gun] fire, died in a few mins saying goodbye to his inseparable pal “Watha” who is in a pretty bad way about it.” Farquhar wrote that Rex ‘was inconsolable’. Mark Johnson explained that ‘On 1 May the 2/48th suffered 51 casualties, including 16 killed. Besides Bill, these included Robert Carey SX7943, John Christerson SX7791, John Marshall SX7759 and Glanville Porter SX7315 all from the 2/48th Battalion. By the end of May Derrick had compiled a list of the men left in his platoon, clearly indicating how the numbers had been decimated. Only six of those served with the 2/48th for the entirety of the war. These included Bill’s good mate, Rex and Bryan Holmes.
Bill’s family were devastated at their loss, leaving two young children without their father.
Chronicle Thursday 22 May 1941, GATES. —On the 1st of May, killed in action abroad, Private W. T. Gates (Bill), loving husband of Ada and daddy of Brian and Bobbie, aged 30 years.
Advertiser Friday 1 May 1942, GATES. —In loving memory of our dear uncle Bill, who was killed in action on May 1, 1941. His Job was one big sacrifice. His heart was true and tender; He gave his life for those he loves. Then left them to remember. —Inserted by his nieces. Mona and Rita Humphrys. GATES. —In loving memory of our dear husband and father. Bill, 2/48th Batt, killed in action at Tobruk on May 1. 1941. A loving smile, a happy face. A broken link we can never replace. —Always remembered by his loving wife and children. GATES. —In loving memory of our dear Bill. 2/48th Batt. Killed in action at Tobruk on May 1, 1941. —Ever remembered by mum and Rosa. GATES. —In loving memory of Bill, killed in action on May 1, 1941. His duty nobly done. —Remembered by Dot.
Advertiser Saturday 1 May 1943, GATES. —In loving memory ot our dear husband and daddy, killed in action at Tobruk, May, 1941. Too dearly loved to ever forget. —Always remembered by his wife and children. GATES. —In loving memory of our dear Bill, who was killed in action at Tobruk. May 1, 1941. —Always remembered by mum, Rosa Lea. GATES. —In loving memory of my dear brother, who was killed in action on May 1, 1941. His duty nobly done. —Inserted by his sister Violet and brother Ted. GATES—ln loving memory of our dear Uncle Bill, killed in action. May 1, 1941. A loving smile, a happy face, one of the best who can't be replaced. —Always remembered by his nieces and nephews. Wellington.
Advertiser Monday 1 May 1944, GATES. —In loving memory of Bill, killed In action at Tobruk. May 1 1941. Ever remembered, mom. Rosa. Les. GATES. —In loving memory of our dear brother Bill, killed in action. May 1, 1941. Always remembered by his sister and brother. Violet and Ted. GATES. —In loving memory of our dear husband and daddy. killed in action. May 1. 1941. at Tobruk. 2/48th Batt. —you are always remembered by Ada. Brian, and Bobble.
Bill is commemorated at the Alamein Memorial in Egypt on Column 94.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.