Major Ivan Bernard BATES RAAC (Ret’d) a comrade warrior to Australia and supporter of the Royal Australian Regiment died peacefully on Bribie Island on Friday 15/12/17, aged 87 years.
He was commissioned into the Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) serving in both Regimental and non-regimental postings throughout his 33 years career. He was 2IC of the 1st Armoured Regiment in Puckapunyal and a very proud member of his military family.
Ivan saw active service both during the Malayan Emergency on secondment to a British Army Cavalry unit based in Ipoh from 1957 to 1958 (which supported 2 RAR’s operations), and later in Vietnam in 1971 with HQ 1ATF.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Friday 22nd December at the Little Flower Church, 41st Avenue, Bribie Island at 1 pm and/or his Graveside Service at Pinnaroo Cemetery, 294 Graham Road, Bridgeman Downs Brisbane at 3 pm.
Military persons are requested to wear their medals and for Armoured Corps members their black berets.
Condolences may be sent to the Bates Family: his wife Esme and children Melita, Paul, Michael and Helen, at 16 Pelican Street, Bellara, Queensland 4507.
Rest in Peace Noble Warrior