Basil Trott, last survivor of the Battle of the River Plate has passed away

Published: 28 July 2021

It’s with much sadness that the City Council has learnt of the passing of 101-year-old Royal Navy Veteran Basil Arthur Trott.  Basil passed away on 12 July 2021 in Addenbrooke's hospital, Cambridge.

He was the last surviving member of HMS Exeter in the Battle of the River Plate in December 1939. Basil last visited Exeter on the 28 February 2015 in honour of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the River Plate where he was served the same meal at the Historic Guildhall that he would have had when the crew of HMS Exeter marched through the City on their return home.

The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Trish Oliver, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Basil, a man who was known for his great zest for life and who was a true gentleman, full of dignity, charm and humour.”

The funeral service is on 4 August at 2.30pm, at Cambridge Crematorium. Family flowers only please, but donations if desired for: Royal Navy Association or The Royal British Legion may be made via Basil's InMemory page at www.peasgoodandskeates.co.uk or sent c/o Peasgood & Skeates 617 Newmarket Road Cambridge CB5 8PA.