Source: Per Machin Patrice original research this soldier’s inscription on a wall/structure in France. Posted by the author at the 18th Battalion Facebook Group. See photograph.
Graffiti at Bouvigny-Boyffles, Pas-de-Calais, France.
Below are screen captures of Google Maps showing the position of the location of this inscription. The large area map shows relative position to the City of Lens (to the East) and the general area of service for the 18th Battalion. The satellite image shows a relative close-up of the area in which the inscription is located, giving it a more personal context. What was Private Coates doing when he inscribed his name? Was he on a pass relaxing or was the Battalion moving up to the Front for active service? The GPS coordinates for this inscription is 50.420123, 2.668404.
COATES, George Richard – On Wed., Jan. 13, 1954, at the Hewitt Nursing Home, George Richard Coates, beloved husband of Mabel Coates, 401 St. Clair Ave., dear father of Doris (Mrs. F. Perks), George, Lillian (Mrs. E. Atcheson, Edwin, Harold and Art. Resting at the Earle Elliott funeral home, 715 Dovercourt Rd. (just south of Bloor) Memorial service will be conducted in the chapel by Rev. A. J. Forte., Saturday, 10 a.m. Interment Veterans plot, Pine Hills Cemetery.
** Toronto Daily Star
Thursday, January 14, 1954
Pg. 38, Col. 5
War Diary of the 18th Battalion CEF 