DAVINA BATES (1937–2025) and MICHAEL BATES (1935–2025)

We remember Davina and Michael Bates, who so sadly passed away within weeks of one another – perhaps unsurprising, as they were inseparable in life. We will dedicate two plaques in their memory, to be placed together on our oak Friends of Friends of The Tenth memorial post.

Davina was our Somerby stalwart – the very first to step forward in 2016 to support Friends of The Tenth, when the idea of a memorial to the Battalion was first brought before Somerby Parish Council. And of course, where Davina was, Michael was too – in all things, they were a team.

As one of the few remaining villagers who remembered the ‘Paras’ in Somerby during 1944, Davina was a living link to the past. She shared her childhood memories with humour and warmth – from watching young soldiers queue at her father’s bakery for cakes and pastries, to delighting Somerby schoolchildren in recent years with stories of wartime village life, including her famous tale of trying to eat her first banana (skin and all!).

Together, Davina and Michael gave so much of themselves to FoTT. Tirelessly spreading our story far and wide, and warmly welcoming veterans and their families back to the village. In Somerby and beyond, they became synonymous with all things relating to the 10th Battalion.

Their generosity was remarkable – not just through donations and thoughtful gifts (including the Stilton cheese and Melton pork pies they always brought to our gatherings) – but above all through their time, their energy, and their friendship.

A very special gift to our cause is the granite setts that now surround the sculpture in the Memorial garden. Once part of the original Somerby pavement, they were carefully gathered and preserved by Michael when the village pathways were ‘modernised’. Upon these very stones, the men of the Tenth once walked. In themselves, they stand as another memorial — to both Davina and Michael.

Davina often said her greatest wish was that Somerby would always welcome the ‘Paras’ and their families, just as it had during those nine months in 1944 before Arnhem. Long before our charity was founded, through their kindness, love, and dedication, Davina and Michael helped to keep that spirit of welcome alive.

At  All Saints church, Somerby, just outside the main entrance, you will see a Friends of The Tenth Rose, planted by them.

They were a truly lovely couple, who meant so much to us all, and whose loss will be deeply felt.

With love and gratitude,
Friends of The Tenth