Former Commissioner, Mr Eward Eates
Distinguished former Commissioner of Police, Mr Eward Eates, who recently passed away in the United Kingdom at the age of 96, was a remarkable man who provided dedicated and inspirational leadership to the Force at one of the most critical periods in Hong Kong's history.
Born in London in 1916, Mr Eates joined the Civil Service upon completing his studies. At the outbreak of World War II in 1939, he was commissioned into the Army. In 1941, Mr Eates married his wife Maureen. In 1942, he took part in the famous battles of the Western Desert in Egypt and in 1944, he participated in the invasion of Normandy, France and the continued advance into Holland.
In 1946, Mr Eates joined the Colonial Police Service serving firstly in Nigeria and then in Sierra Leone where he was awarded the Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service. In 1957, he was appointed Commissioner of Police in Gambia where his excellent duty performance saw him receive the Queen's Police Medal for Distinguished Service. In 1961, Queen Elizabeth II visited Gambia and as a result of his work for her security, he was made a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order.
In 1963, at his own request, Mr Eates transferred to the Hong Kong Police and as an Assistant Commissioner took command of the then Hong Kong Island District. Subsequently, he was twice promoted becoming Deputy Commissioner in 1966. In 1967, there was widespread disorder in Hong Kong and Mr Eates was the Acting Commissioner at this time and on the retirement of the then Commissioner on grounds of ill health, he assumed command of the Force.
During this very tense period, Mr Eates earned enormous respect from his subordinates for visiting officers in the field and personally boosting their morale. The disorder was effectively controlled and the Hong Kong Police was awarded with the title 'Royal' by Queen Elizabeth II in view of its steadfast performance. Mr Eates was made a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George in recognition of his own outstanding efforts.
In 1969, Mr Eates retired from the Force and after returning to England took a position in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before finally retiring in 1976. He and his wife Maureen spent their retirement in Devon and had many happy years before she passed away in 1987. Mr Eates continued to enjoy meeting former colleagues and was a previous Vice President of the Royal Hong Kong Police Association. In the latter part of his life he suffered serious ill health, but he bore the situation in characteristically stoical fashion and endeavoured to attend social functions and meet friends and former colleagues.
Mr Eates was widely and highly respected and was renowned as being a man who lived according to his principles. He was an excellent leader and a valued friend and colleague. Those who knew him will never forget him.
