Dr Albert Coates - hero in medicine, surgery and war
Albert Coates (1895-1977) was born in Ballarat in Central Victoria, oldest of seven children of strong Methodists Arthur and Clara Coates. Although money was short, Arthur and Clara raised their family valuing education. Albert had a thirst for literature and knowledge, but his formal education ended at 11. At first he worked in a butcher's shop on Saturdays only, then he worked 6 days a week. At 14 was indentured to a Ballarat bookbinder, which gave the lad the chance to read widely and study at night. Encouraged by night-school at Ballarat, Coates passed the junior public examination with distinctions in French and German in 1913. But Coates wanted a career in medicine. He qualified for Melbourne University but as he could not afford to take his place on financial grounds, he moved to Wangaratta. There he worked in the Postal Department and studied in his spare time. World War One and after By 1914 Coates was able start a university medical course, however WW1 interven...