| Surname: | Coates |
| Initials: | B B |
| Rank: | Major |
| Army Number: | 62053 |
| Notes: | Provost Officer. Royal Artillery. Bernard Bolitho Coates. London Gazette 40374, 77, 4/1/1955. Corps of Royal Military Police. Territorial Army. Maj B B Coates TD (562053) from RA to be Maj, 19/11/1954, with seniority, 1/5/1947. London Gazette 40652, 7006, 13/12/1955. Corps of Royal Military Police. Territorial Army. Maj B B Coates, TD. (62053) to have seniority 8/10/1946 and not as in Gazette (Supplement) dated 4/1/1955. London Gazette 41550, 7052, 18/11/1958. Corps of Royal Military Police. Territorial Army. Maj B B Coates, MBE. TD. (62053) is placed on the Unatt'd List, 19/11/1958. London Gazette 42801, 7830, 9/10/1962. Corps of Royal Military Police. Territorial Army Reserve of Officers. Maj (Hon. Lt/Col) B B Coates, MBE. TD. (62053) having attained the age limit, ceases to belong to the TA. Res. of Offrs., 8/10/1962, retaining the hon. rank of Lt/Col. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Efficiency Decoration (Territorial) 1st Clasp (London Gazette: 39120 Page: 245 Jan. 12, 1951) |
| Citation: | |
| Decoration: | Territorial Decoration 2nd Clasp (London Gazette: 39390 Page: 6116 Nov. 23, 1951) |
| Citation: | |
| Decoration: | Territorial Decoration 3 Clasp (London Gazette: 41501 Page: 5747 Sept. 19, 1958) |
| Citation: | RMP. Maj. B B Coates, MBE, TD (62053). |
| Decoration: | Member of the British Empire (London Gazette: 41404 Page: 3518 June 12, 1958) |
| Citation: | Queen's Birthday Honour. Citation for MBE 1947 - to date: Background - Major COATES was commissioned into the TA in December 1934 in a HAA Regiment RA at PORTSMOUTH. He served throughout the war in AA Command and was promoted Lt-Colonel in 1943 in command of 132 (M) HAA Regt. He holds the Territorial Efficiency Decoration and 2 bars.Citation When the Territorial Army was reformed in 1947 Major COATES at once joined his old Regiment in PORTSMOUTH as a battery Commander. in 1948 he had to move to LEICESTER for business reasons. Despite the distance and extra time he had to spend on travelling Major COATES continued to serve with his Battery and took them to annual camp that year. in 1950 he was asked to form a new unit in LEICESTER. This he agreed to do and raised 76 (M) AA Fire Control Troop. During the next four years this unit took part in each years UK Air exercises. The Bde Comd's report for 1951 stated that "the keenness instilled in the Troop by the CO has been reflected in the high attendance at drills and particularly on exercises." Major COATES moved from LEICESTER to TUNBRIDGE WELLS in 1953 but continued to command his unit at LEICESTER making frequent visits and taking the to camp in 1954. In November 1954 Major COATES transferred to 44 (HC) Inf Div (TA) and took over command of the Div Pro Coy. To fit himself for command of this unit before taking part in the Divisional exercise "DOVER CASTLE" Major COATES gave up one week of his civilian holidays to attend a course at the RMP Depot. Similarly, the following year Major COATES gave up a weeks holiday in order to attend the Provost Marshal's conference. These are but two examples of the selfless and devoted service this officer has given to the Territorial Army. As it has not been possible to find a suitable officer to fill the appointment of DAPM to 44 Division Major COATES carries out the duties of this appointment when required in addition to OC of the Div Pro Coy. Major COATES is a married man with three children and he holds a responsible position in the National Provincial Bank. Nevertheless he still gives a great deal of his time to the TA, far in excess of what is required to do in the course of his normal duties. He is a member of three TA Associations, Kent, Surrey and Sussex, and attends all their meetings. His unit is very widespread and has detachments in BRIGHTON and GUILDFORD, which he visits regularly. He also makes a point of attending all exercises held by the three Bdes of the Div. This entails spending a great deal of time in travelling, often late at night, which he does willingly and cheerfully for the Territorial Army. Major COATES is the very best type of TA Officer with above average qualities of leadership, intelligence and initiative. He has served the Territorial Army loyally and unselfishly over twenty three years. He has now reached the age limit for his rank and will be retiring from the Territorial Army this year. He is most strongly recommended for this award.Lieut-Col L H Wood AA & QMG 44 (HC) Inf Div (TA). Maj-Gen 44 (HC) Inf Div (TA). National Archive WO 373/166. |
| Decoration: | Territorial Decoration (London Gazette: 38206 Page: 1027 Feb. 13, 1948) |
| Citation: | RA TA later RMP TA. |
Provost Officer Appointments: | |
| No appointments recorded | |