NT Vietnam Veteran Rodney ‘Smokey’ Bates honoured
A decorated Vietnam veteran, a devoted father, and a Territory legend, Rodney ‘Smokey’ Bates left an unforgettable mark on those who knew him.
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Rodney ‘Smokey’ Bates, a Vietnam War veteran and a stalwart of the Territory’s veteran community, has passed away.
Mr Bates died on February 15 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of service, resilience, and an enduring mateship that stretched far beyond the battlefield.
Mr Bates served with the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967 and spent a total of eight years in the army.
Following his military service, he took up truck driving and later became a well-known figure in the Northern Territory, particularly at the Noonamah Tavern, where he was a regular for years.
A dedicated member of Veterans Australia NT for 23 years, Mr Bates will be honoured by his fellow 6RAR Vietnam veterans, who will present his family with a battalion sash in tribute to his service and unwavering loyalty to his comrades.
Tom Lee, Mr Bates’ best mate and carer for the past seven years, remembered him as a man of quiet heroism.
“He’s actually one of our war heroes, but he kept pretty quiet about it,” Mr Lee said.
One of Tom’s favourite stories was how Smokey once took over the controls of a helicopter in Vietnam after the pilot was shot, saving six lives despite crash-landing the aircraft.
Mr Bates’ adventurous spirit and generosity were evident in his fundraising ride for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Sponsored by John Lawes, he spent more than three months riding horses from Sydney to Perth, raising thousands of dollars in donations.
Above all, Mr Bates was a devoted father.
He raised his youngest daughter, Susy, as a single dad, pausing his career until she was school-aged before returning to work.
Mr Bates’ loss has deeply touched those who knew him.
The Noonamah Tavern paid tribute to their long-time patron, writing on social media: “The memory of his service and the moments shared with him live on with all who knew and loved him. Lest we forget.”
Luke Gosling OAM MP, Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans’ Affairs and Northern Australia, paid his respects, calling Mr Bates “a true Territorian” who made his home in the bush at Darwin River and never missed an opportunity to “share a beer and a yarn” with mates.
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