| Coates | Henry Wise Unett | | Captain | COATES, HENRY WISE UNETT, Captain, was born 3 December 1865, at Rockhampton, Gloucestershire, son of the Reverend W U Coates, of The Cottage, Hill, Falfield, Gloucestershire. He was educated at Marlborough College; received his first commission in the Bedfordshire Regiment 7 February 1885; was promoted Captain 1 February 1893; was Adjutant, 4th Battalion, 16 February 1895 to 15 June, 1901. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902; as Staff Officer to Commandant, Fourteen Streams, 29 May to 25 June, 1900; afterwards Garrison Adjutant, Mafeking, 29 June to 13 August 1900, and 4 September 1900; served as Adjutant, 4th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment; during operations in the Orange Free State, May 1900; during operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, August and September 1900; during operations in Cape Colony, north and south of Orange River. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901], received the Queen's Medal and three clasps; the King's Medal and two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 Sept, 1901]: "Henry Wise Unett Coates, Captain, Bedfordshire Regiment. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia and Warrant were sent to the GOC, Transvaal, 3 February 1903; were presented by the King 12 June, 1903. He was promoted Major 5 April, 1903, subsequently becoming Lieutenant Colonel. He married, 28 December 1895, Eleanor Alice, daughter of D T Surgeon General A Rudge, of The Town, Compton, Plymouth.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Bedfordshire Regiment |
