Once A Soldier-chelsea Pensioner

BBC 4 THURSDAY NIGHT.
One old soldier,sold his house,gave up his army pension for a 4ft x 8ft room at Chelsea Hospital.
Within 3 hours of his arrival,he was interviewed by the RSM ? regarding his 'chest'full of medals.
The RSM found one,issued for persons who had endured over three weeks of 'bombing' in England,during the war?
The recipient recalled he had been in Liverpool for this period of time,during constant bombing,and there fore was entitled to this medal.
No. He was not entitled to it and therefore must hand it back,he was heartbroken,he had worn ALL his medals,with pride for 60 years,and now he felt he couldn't wear any,and wanted to go home.BUT he had no home..
On Founders day,middle of June,temperature stated to be in the 90's,the old guys,had to rehearse a parade for a Royal visit.
I remember in my 20's rehearsing in heat,and we have all seen even the Guards 'losing control' and toppling over,BUT 90 plus year olds ????
I can't say I was disgusted, I was proud to see these old contemtables-as usual- doing their best.
The programme ended with a party,complete with Belly dancers, all they needed???
I await response
Stu.B.(P.S) another show next week.

Fascinating series. The medal incident was humbling. He had incorrectly been issued the Defence Medal. The guy(Wally) had been wearing it with his 3 other medals for over 60yrs. He had spent 3 yrs in a far east POW camp. I know the RSM was correct in removing it....but it still did'nt feel right. Especially when you consider on return to the UK after the war, they received little recognition for their sufferings. They deserved a medal for surviving the Japanese Camps.

Wally was concerned what his mates would think about him........................:notworthy:

Over the years Al,after retirement,I have driven on a voluntary basis for York ambulance,picked one of my old boys up and he said."Look at this Stuart,He showed me a cheque for £10000,Ten thousand pounds,he said "I need you as a witness to this" and he tore it up,it was payment from the Japanese Governent,for his imprisonment,during the war,he spent 4 yrs in a pow camp,which our government decided they could "pay off" he's dead now,from whatever but I salute him
Stu.B.

Stu B
What a remarkable storyon the Cheque I salute him I have seen any of the programmes about the Chelsea Hospital, but I have heard that their are going to enlist females is this correct?
I wait with baited breath.
BTB

I was talking to Frank dolan tonight, he watches all the programs, and this year a ex wo2 female has been accepted and is to become the first woman to be a Chelsea pensioner. Val