TRIBUTES have been paid to Alton man Robert (Bob) Bates, who passed away peacefully on October 18 after a short illness, just short of his 99th birthday.

Mr Bates was a stoker in the Royal Navy from 1938 to 1954 and during his time in service was awarded six medals.

He was aboard HMS Cleopatra when it was the first ship into Singapore to take the Japanese surrender in September 1945.

Mr Bates married wife Lilian and moved to Alton in 1946, and the couple had a son, Robert, in 1947, but he sadly died a day after his fourth birthday from TB meningitis following an outbreak throughout Hampshire.

According to stepson Bill Rapkins, once in Alton Mr Bates turned his hand to making artificial limbs for Vessa, which he did throughout his working life.

He was also an active member of the Alton branch of the Royal Naval Association and, after retirement, spent time playing bowls for Chawton Park Bowls Club and representing Hampshire.

He continued to live in Alton until two years ago when he moved to a care home in Poole, Dorset, to be closer to his family.

A cremation service was held in Dorset on Armistice Day, November 11, and his ashes were due to be laid to rest in his son Robert’s grave alongside Lilian, in Alton Cemetery, at 11.30am today (November 16). Family and friends are invited to attend and to meet afterward at The White Hart Hotel, Holybourne.

Bob Bates is pictured (left) surrounded by his family and (right) with wife Lilian and stepson Bill.