This December we celebrate an extraordinary occasion: the 100th birthday of Eric Bateman, a cherished Edenbridge resident, proud family man, and one of the last living links to a generation whose courage shaped our history.
We had the pleasure of seeing Eric recently on Remembrance Sunday, where he joined the community in honouring those who served in the war. Despite his age, he stood with dignity and humility – quietly embodying the resilience and strength that have defined his life. Over the years he has become a warmly familiar face at the Town Council offices, where he still pops in from time to time to buy garden waste sacks. Yes – he still gardens!
Eric with Council Chairwoman Cllr Angela Baker at the Remembrance Sunday service 2025
A life of service and courage
Born in Farnborough Hospital, Kent on 6 December 1925, Eric grew up during turbulent times and joined the Royal Navy at just 17½. He trained at HMS Collingwood before being assigned to the HMS Erebus, which took part in the Allied assault on Utah Beach, France, on D-Day. His role was vital: loading ammunition below deck so that troops could land on the shore.
Eric later served on the HMS Belfast, travelling through the Far East as the war drew to a close. The ship undertook humanitarian missions, transporting women and children who had been detained during the conflict back to Australia and continuing goodwill visits to New Zealand and Fiji. Eric often reflects on how fortunate he felt to see parts of the world he had only dreamed of.
After the war, Eric returned home to start a new chapter, working alongside his father before marrying Pauline, the love of his life, in 1948 – on her 21st birthday. Together they raised a close-knit family and spent many happy years living and working in both England and New Zealand, where Eric worked as a car mechanic, before finally settling in Edenbridge.
A valued member of the Edenbridge community
Eric moved to Edenbridge in 1991 and has been part of our community for more than three decades. Though he officially retired at 65 as a Service Manager for a garage in Bromley, he has never retired from community life. Last year, he proudly attended the King’s 80th D-Day celebrations, meeting King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William – a moment he still treasures deeply.
Anyone who knows Eric will tell you that he is humble about his service and deeply devoted to his family. He speaks often and lovingly of his wife Pauline, with whom he has shared nearly 77 years of marriage, and of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren – he claims his family is one of his greatest achievements. His warmth, humour and generosity are just as much a part of Edenbridge’s story as the buildings and streets he has walked for so long.
When he reflects on our community today, he hopes the younger generation will remember the sacrifices made by him and so many of his generation, so that we might live in peace, and continue to uphold the traditional values of this country.
Honouring 100 years of a remarkable life
As Eric turns 100, we celebrate not only his milestone birthday, but the values he represents – resilience, devotion, service, and community spirit. He continues to inspire us simply by being himself: a man who loves his family, his country, and, as he likes to add with a smile, “a good pint of beer.”
From everyone in Edenbridge, thank you, Eric, for your service, your stories, and your presence among us. We are honoured to have you as part of our community and look forward to toasting your centenary!