William Henry's Story.
The Birkenhead News. Saturday, September 7, 1918
LEVER BROS. EMPLOYEE KILLED IN ACTION
Private William H Pates, of the East Lancashire Regiment, has been officially reported killed in action in France on August 16th, 1918. He was called up at the outbreak of war, and was the only son of Mr and Mrs Pates of 6, Nelson Road, Rock Ferry. He was a well-known footballer, and a member of St. Peters Church Football Club. One of the officers of his regiment, Captain T.H.P. King, in a letter of sympathy to his parents states: "It was only a few days previous to his death that he re-joined us from hospital. At the time he was looking rather better for the rest, and I had hoped that he would pull through this action, and enjoy better health, but now this great trouble has come upon you, and I always wonder why such things should happen. I hope it will be some comfort to you to know that your son was always ready and willing (though not always in the best of health) to do whatever duty laid before him. He has given his life for his country." He was employed at Port Sunlight in No. 2 frame room, where his many friends will be sorry to hear of his death.