Charles saw action in the North-West Frontier (Pakistan & Afghanistan) and the Boer War before ending up in the War Office in London until the outbreak of the First World War.
When he left the War Office, he re-joined the 2nd King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and sailed with them to France in August 1914 with the British Expeditionary Force. He turned down an offer to work on General Joffre’s staff, preferring to take the more active role of company commander.
It was at Le Cateau that Sir H. Smith-Dorrien, commander of II Corps, after consultation with his commanders, planned a holding action against the advancing German Army. Smith-Dorrien did not have the full support of Sir John French, commander of the BEF, or the assistance of Sir Douglas Haig’s 1st Corps either, after the latter’s dawn withdrawal from Landrecies on the morning of the 26th. In fact, Haig was so worried about the position at Landrecies during the night that he had asked II Corps to spare some troops. Fortunately, the situation improved enough for the units of I Corps to make their escape. For evidence of just how heroic the stand at Le Cateau was to be, we need to look no further than the tally of five Victoria Crosses which would be awarded as a result of the day’s fighting.
Two were won by members of the 2nd King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and three went to the Royal Artillery.
Major Yates citation in the London Gazette of November 25, 1915 read: ‘Major Charles Allix Lavington Yate (deceased), 2nd Battalion The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, commanded one of the two companies that
remained to the end in the trenches at Le Cateau on August 26th, and when all other officers were killed or wounded and ammunition exhausted, led his 19 survivors against the enemy in a charge in which he was severely wounded. He was picked up by the enemy and he subsequently died as a prisoner of war’.
Not much is known of Charles Yate as a member of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, save that he was initiated in the Province of Punjab.
If you would like to read about the VC recipients who were members of the R.A.O.B. then I would recommend that you purchase copies of the Museum Collection No. 34 Volumes 1 & 2.
Additionally, should you have any further information on those named in the Volumes, or other Members of the R.A.O.B. please pass that information onto to your respective Grand Secretary, or direct to the G.L.E. Grand Secretary.
If you wish to read the full story please click on this link No 34 Victory Cross Winners Vol 2