Second Lieutenant George Edward Cates VC (9 May 1892 – 9 March 1917) was a British Army officer and an English recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

[3] In December 1914, four months after the outbreak of the First World War, he joined the 28th London Regiment (Artists’ Rifles), and went to France in August 1915.

[4][3] He was a 24 years old second lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own), British Army, during the First World War, and was awarded the VC for his actions on 8 March 1917 at Bouchavesnes, France.

When engaged with some other men in deepening a captured trench this officer struck with his spade a buried bomb, which immediately started to burn.

He showed the most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in performing the act which cost him his life, but saved the lives of others.Cates died of his wounds the next day.