The Association has learned of the death of Capt Richard ‘Dickie’ John Bates RN on 7 April 2022 aged 91.
Taken from the Daily Telegraph 16.4.22
BATES Richard “Dickie” Captain RN died 7th April 2022, aged 91 at Winchester Hospice. Beloved husband of Anne, and formerly of the late Jean for nearly 50 years. Loved and missed by his three daughters Nicola, Susan & Fiona, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Dickie donated his body to medical science. Committal of Ashes at sea by the Royal Navy.
Dickie was an Observer who started his career flying Firefliesof 812 Squadron during the Korean War.
S/Lt R J Bates 22 Flt 812 Squadron HMS Glory (With the Carriers in Korea by John R P Lansdown)
Commanding Officer HMS Carysfort 1966 – 68
Dickie was an active member of the FAAOAGS and Chairman of the association from 1983 – 1986, becoming a Vice President on retirement from the Chairmanship.
From References *
Whilst flying Westland Whirlwind XL 834 of 845 Squadron from Bulwark on 15 August 1958, the aircraft failed to become fully airborne during take-off at high altitude and crashed in rough terrain in Aden. L/C CMA Wheatly RAN, Lt NS Foster, Lt RJ Bates & Lt EE Cornut of Yorks & Lancs Regt all OK.
Whilst flying Westland Whirlwind XG 575 of 737 Squadron, Portland on 28 September 1959, heard a single bang, the aircraft suffered complete transmission failure and ditched 5m off Portland Bill. Lt CJ Isacke, Lt R J Bates & AB B Faulkner rescued by submarine and accompanying aircraft.
Whilst flying Westland Wessex XM 929 of 815 Squadron on 19 March 1962, the aircraft suffered transmission failure and fire and ditched 35°6’N 14°29.5’E, 1m from Ark Royal during passage from Malta to Suez. L/C ALL Skinner, Lt AE Lewis RCN picked up by another Wessex, L/C RJ Bates & PO RM Brown picked up by SAR.
(* Fleet Air Arm Helicopters since 1943 by Lee Howard, Mick Burrow & Eric Myall)