Source: Taken on strength August 1916 War Diary
Family Search: Lieutenant Bernard John Bates was born on 28 September 1898, in Birmingham, West Midlands, England, United Kingdom as the son of John Bates and Mary Ann. He immigrated to Canada in 1910. He registered for military service in 1916. In 1916, his occupation is listed as student at law in Toronto, York, Ontario, Canada. He died on 15 September 1916, in Courcelette, Somme, Picardie, France, at the age of 17, and was buried in Adanac Military Cemetery, Miraumont, Somme, Picardie, France.
Was only 17 years old at time of death. his 18th birthday would have been on September 28, 1916. He was killed on the 15th.
Article in the Windsor Star by Denis Green with a photograph of Lieutenant Bates.
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 