Percy Edmundson Oates, born 1894, St. Helens Auckland, Co. Durham. He was the son of John Oates, born 1838 in St. Helens Auckland, and Agnes Thirwall, born 1858 in Whitehaven, who ran the sub-post office in St. Helens. He was the brother of Robert Oates.

Percy Oates joined for duty 16 August, 1915 as Private 118837 in the Army Auxiliary Corps. He was 21 years old, 5' 11" tall, weighed 166 lbs, chest 39". His next of kin is entered as his mother, Agnes Oates, of 11, Highfield Terrace, Bishop Auckland.

He embarked at Southampton 30 September, 1915 arriving at Rouen the next day aboard the SS King Edward. He was attached to 589 H. T. Coy. !st. Army Auxiliary H. T. Coy. 18 January, 1916 he was admitted to hospital but rejoined his company 3 days later, 21 January, 1916.

Percy had leave from 7 - 14 June, 1916. It was then noted that his address changed to 6, Front Street, St. Helens Auckland.

1 March, 1918 Percy had a temporary transfer to 1st Army Buses and returned to his company in April, 1918. He was appointed L/Cpl. (unpaid) 15 May, 1918 and then as Established L/Cpl. 13 September, 1918.

5 November, 1918 he was sent to 928 Asia ARt. ??? Coy.