Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Captain

Unit:

No. 2 Bomb Disposal Company, Bomb Disposal Section, Home Forces, British Army

Awarded on:

December 7th, 1940

"On Friday 13th September, 1940, Captain Yates telephoned H.Q. Northern Command to say that a German 500 kg. Bomb was lying unexploded in the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate and that in the circumstances he proposed to blow it up in situ.
In view of the damage to the hotel which would result the Chief Engineer, York, advised against this action and asked for further information concerning the type of bomb and fuzes fitted. From the information given the opinion formed at H.Q. was that there was a good chance of removing the fuze and Captain Yates was advised that an effort should be made to defuse the bomb.
Captain Yates, acting on the advice given, successfully removed the fuze which, owing to the awkward situation he had taken out by hand."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

No. 2 Bomb Disposal Company, Bomb Disposal Section, Home Forces, British Army

Awarded on:

September 30th, 1941

"Major Yates was posted to London to command No. 2 Bomb Disposal Company on the 14th September 1940. This was at a time when the whole life of the Capital was gravely threatened by the large and rapidly increasing number of unexploded bombs. The number of bombs was, in fact, out of all proportion to the number of trained personnel available to dealt with them. In these conditions of stress an organization had to be built up, in which the work of the Civil Services should be linked effectively with that of the Civil Services should be linked effectively with that of the Military units responsible for the disposal of the bombs. The successful development of this organization over the whole of the London region, at a time when the actual removal of an ever increasing number of bombs was in itself a very formidable problem, was due in very great measure to Major Yates' outstanding energy, courage and ability; his forceful personality and charm of manner were potent factors in establishing relations of confidence and goodwill between the military and civil bodies with whom they had to deal. It was by this co-operation alone, that the menace of the unexploded bomb in London has been effectively brought under control.

Since November 1940, Major Yates has controlled the work of a large number of less experienced officers. He has made a point of going to their assistance whenever they were engaged of any operation of a doubtful or dangerous nature. He has constantly gone out of his way to share the risks of his subordinates, and to relieve them of those risks as far as possible, himself.

During a heavy air attack a bomb penetrated a hospital and came to rest, unexploded. Although it was out of his area, Major Yates went to the hospital and rendered the bomb safe, single-handed. This incident is typical of many in which, by his enthusiasm for the work, his skill in technique, his sound judgment, his complete disregard of personal danger in the execution of his duty, and his never failing cheerfulness, he encouraged his men and set an example to all those who served with him."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Awarded on:

November 14th, 1947

"Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey H. Yates, Royal Engineers, British Army, performed meritorious services to the United States from January to July 1942. As a specialist in Bomb disposal methods he rendered invaluable assistance in establishing procedure, and, during a visit to the United States made a material contribution to the establishment of the American Civilian Defense Program."