Walter Dobson (21 Oct 1918 - 9 Nov 2017)

In loving memory of Walter Dobson who sadly passed away on 9th November 2017 aged 99 years.

Walter Dobson was born 21st Oct 1918 born to John Dobson and Elizabeth Woolley
Walter had 4 brothers, Charlie, John, Thomas, and Bill and 4 sisters Lottie, Dorothy, Marian and Ada.
Walter leaves behind a daughter Elise and a son Jon

At the age of 18 Walter was called up to war and joined the South Notts Hussars 107 regiment, who were a field regiment of the Royal Artillery.
In 1942 Walter was in the Battle of Knightsbridge in Libya. The battle-one of the most celebrated acts of bravery in the Royal Artillery's history-saw the 107th Regiment of the South Nottinghamshire's Hussars virtually wiped out. They held the line in North Africa from Rommel's advancing tanks and they had been ordered to delay the Germans at Knightsbridge to protect the 8th Army as it withdrew.
All supporting forces had withdrawn but the regiment was told "ON NO ACCOUNTS WILL YOU RETREAT, YOU WILL FIGHT TO THE LAST MAN AND TO THE LAST ROUND AND NOT RETIRE". Many perished that day and out of the whole regiment only 90 men survived and were taken prisoner to which Walter was one. Walter was sent to a POW camp but later escaped along with some of his comrades and were taken in by a farming family who kept them hidden whenever the Germans were about
Walter didn't like to talk much about his time in the war and the atrocities himself and his comrades experienced, he even played down an act of heroism in which he rescued a comrade from a burning vehicle that had just been bombed clean in half. Without Walter his comrade would have died but instead survived losing one of his legs-Walter met him again many years later at a regimental dinner and the man couldn't express his gratitude enough stating that Walter was a hero and saved his life. Walter didn't collect his war medals stating that he was just doing his job the same as his comrades. His daughter Elise obtained his medals many years later and treasures them - in her eyes Walter is a hero too

Walter met the love of his life Varena, who liked to be called Rene, and they married on 4th June 1960. They enjoyed many happy years together until Renes death in 1987. Walter always said that Rene was the love of his life and there would never be another for him. His daughter Elise has fond memories of Walter singing I LOVE YOU BECAUSE to Rene on many occasions

Walter tried his hand at various occupations in his lifetime but the ones he treasured most were in partnership with Rene. Walter supported Rene throughout their lives running various businesses together which included being landlord and landlady of Public Houses. Walters final job was a Publican which he continued to enjoy doing well past retirement age, he wouldn't fully retire until he was well into his 70s
Walter was such a kind, caring and compassionate man throughout his life and had a huge love for animals, birds and listening to his music. Although his taste in music was mainly Classical and Opera, his favourite singers were Frank Sinatra and Jim Reeves but he also had a penchant for some ABBA songs and could be heard on many an occasion happily singing away to them

Walter lived for 99 years on this earth so as you can imagine his family have so many wonderful memories to share about his life- far too many to list in the time allowed- but his family have asked that their gratitude be expressed to all the staff at Eden Lodge residential home as during Walters last three years he suffered ill health and was moved into Eden Lodge to get the extra care he needed. The staff cared for and treated Walter as one of their own family and were a great support to his daughter Elise during Walters final days.