During World War II, many young women in Britain served in the army. Joan Phillips was one of them. Stationed at a large camp, she naturally met many men, both officers and soldiers.
One evening at a dance, she met Captain Humphreys. He said to her, "I'm going abroad tomorrow, but I'd be very happy if we could write to each other." Joan agreed, and they corresponded for several months.
Then his letters stopped. She received one from another officer, informing her that Captain Humphreys had been wounded and was in a military hospital in England.
Joan went to the hospital and said to the matron, "I've come to visit Captain Humphreys."
"Only relatives are allowed to visit patients here," the matron said.
"Oh, that's all right," answered Joan. "I'm his sister."
"I'm very pleased to meet you," the matron replied. "I'm his mother!"