'The whole family is touched by a real love story' - Former army nurse from Aldridge celebrates centenary

Joan Dabbs met her husband of 55 years Charles Dabbs, when treating him for wounds during World War Two whilst working as a Red Cross Nurse in Wessington Hall, Herefordshire. Mrs Dabbs officially turned 100 on Monday, December 1.

In her memoirs of her time spent as a nurse she said  "This soldier had been wounded in France during the battle for Caen in Normandy and I had helped carry him when he arrived on a stretcher and then cared for him in the hospital.

"He spent one week at home before he was sent back to join the conflict in Belgium where he had to join the Worcestershire regiment.

"His own regiment the 5th South Stafford's had been wiped out and many men lost such was the effect of this terrible war.

"This patient became my husband and we we were married on November 6 1945 with many years of happy marriage to follow."

There was some sadness to the tale however as Charles' brother William - 'Billy' - Dabbs died in action as a Royal Marine Commando in France at just 23.

 Joan and Charles - who died in 2000 - used to visit his grave in Normandy and she still does when she can.

Earlier this month family from across the world, including Finland and America, came together to celebrate  at Fairlawns Hotel and Spa, Aldridge over a buffet style meal. 

Daughter Alison Cheng said the whole family were touched by the story of how her mother and father had met but were well aware of the tragic nature with Billy losing his life.

She said: "My dad's bother William 'Billy' Dabbs died in battle during World War Two so it was reminder of the brutality of the war if needed but at least some good came out of it as well.

"It was a lovely occasion with the family to celebrate her birthday, low key as she would have wanted but it was clear how much she loved having everyone around her for her special day."