Fred Yates [SEP] place of birth
Russell Coates Gallery Bournemouth.
Biography.
Fred Yates was born in Urmston, Lancashire, England in 1922. He began his working life as an insurance clerk but this career was cut short by the Second World War, during which he served with the Grenadier Guards. His twin brother was killed during the failed attempt to capture the bridge at Arnhem during Operation Market Garden in September 1944.
After the war Yates took up painting on his return to Manchester - initially as a painter and decorator. It was whilst working
fourth Olympiads, representing the 'British Empire' team. On each occasion, he made a plus score and at London 1927, earned a team bronze medal.
His life ended prematurely, when a leaking gas pipe caused him to asphyxiate during his sleep.
According to the inscription on Yates' gravestone, his birth name was actually Fred Dewhirst Yates. However, throughout his chess career he was known by the name at the head of this article or simply as F.D. Yates, both of which featured in his posthumously