Aston Villa fan Victor Daniels celebrated his 100th birthday on Monday.
And as you might expect from someone who has reached such a milestone, the lifelong Villan has plenty of incredible stories to tell from his time supporting the club.
From living a stone’s throw away from Villa Park to watching on the terraces as Tom ‘Pongo’ Waring banged in the goals, the club has played a special part in his life.
And on the day he celebrated his century, VillaTV and head coach Dean Smith caught up with Victor to wish him a happy birthday and revisit one particular moment when Aston Villa responded to his call for help.
Victor had been conscripted into the RAF during the Second World War, joining 76 Squadron as a gunner.
Unfortunately, while on active duty, he was shot down over Germany and taken as a prisoner of war until the conflict ceased in 1945.
During his time being held at one of the largest prisoner of war camps, Stalag IV-B, the hut he was living in ran a football competition.
With a desire to play in claret and blue, Victor sent a letter to Villa Park from the camp explaining his situation.
The club responded and sent out a complete set of kit for the team along with a copy of a 1943/44 teamsheet signed by the players.
They held a raffle to decide who should have the teamsheet and Victor rightfully won. He has kept it to this day, complete with the Nazi stamp on the reverse side 'Stalag IV-B'.
A huge thank you to Victor's son, Duncan, who is also a Villa fan, for getting in touch with the club to share news of the big birthday celebrations.
Happy 100th birthday, Victor, from everyone at Aston Villa!
