Private Thomas Mowbray Bates was on the last few days of his demobilization leave when he was recalled to the Colours and reposted to B Company. He had first joined the Battalion in Egypt in 1954 and he was an extremely popular member of his platoon. He was a valued member of the Battalion football team.

A ‘Geordie’ from County Durham, Tommy Bates was due to return to his old job as a miner, but was killed in action in Port Said, Suez, Egypt, on 5 November 1956, whilst taking part in Operation Musketeer.  He was 22 years old.

His body was returned to the UK for burial.