Tributes to decorated Padiham war veteran and Legion stalwart (99)

Highly respected Mr Jim Bates served on convoy escort duty with the Royal Navy during the infamous Arctic Convoys, a perilous operation that saw him receive a commendation and medal from the Russian Navy. Jim also served in Operation Pedestal, the British plan to carry supplies to the island of Malta in1942, for which he received recognition.

It was Winston Churchill's plan to save the besieged and heavily bombed island, and although the convoy suffered a heavy loss including an aircraft carrier, it did manage to get through with vital supplies of fuel and war planes.

Jim received medals and other honours from the Maltese government over the last 20 years in gratitude for his and his comrades' service in protecting the island from the German and Italians.