Labour Australia

Tribune reports with sadness the death of Bob [James Robert] Batterham on March 29. Bob joined the Communist Party in 1939 in Ashfield. He was a leading activist in the Textile Workers Union through to the 1950s and was blacklisted because of his union activities. Rightwing union officials informed employers that he was "a dangerous red".

He worked as a builders' laborer to gain experience to build the house in which he lived and died, helped by comrades and friends who were also building homes in the post-war period. Many party functions and meetings have been held in the house over the 30 years.

Bob never lost his conviction that socialism was the only answer to the world's problems.

He was loved and respected by a very wide circle of friends.

Tribune extends sincere condolences to Joyce and family.