We regret to advise of the death of James Harvey “Jim” Bates of Truro NS on 29 May 2009 at the age of 88 years. Jim was a resident at The Mira, a long term care facility in Truro.
Jim was born in Truro NS and grew up in Stewiacke East NS. He enlisted in Halifax on 24 November 1942 and was initially assigned to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. He took his Basic Training in Yarmouth NS and his Advanced Training at Camp Aldershot NS. He was later sent on a bricklaying course in New Glasgow NS while awaiting orders to be sent overseas. He boarded a ship in Halifax on 6 September 1943 but after a day and a half, a submarine was spotted and the ship turned back to Halifax until it got the all-clear to proceed. Jim eventually got to England with his unit and landed in Normandy. He was wounded at Caen on 18 July 18 1944 and was sent to England to recover. He was sent back into action about two months later and was transferred to the 9th Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers as a truck driver. He stayed with the squadron until just three weeks before the fighting ended when he was admitted to hospital suffering what was then called 'battle fatigue'.
After Jim was demobilized, he returned to civilian life and worked at carpentry until he opened his own business. He retired in 1984. Jim was an honorary member of the Truro Fire Brigade and a Life Member of Royal Canadian Legion Colchester Branch 26 in Truro for 63 years.
There will be no visitation by request. A Royal Canadian Legion Tribute will be held at 2:00 PM on 1 June 2009 followed by a celebration of life service and reception in Colchester Community Funeral Home in Truro. Interment will be in Robie Street Cemetery in Truro. Donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Colchester Branch 26, Truro Building Fund or Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. [dcSep19gd} [zsd, zpp]
