Children from Salisbury were invited to meet the iconic Chelsea Pensioners as part of a special event.

Tristan Sweeney and Ava-Grace Johnstone, aged seven, were two of 15 young people invited by the military children’s charity Little Troopers to attend the event at the The Royal Hospital Chelsea. 

Little Troopers is a registered charity supporting service children who have parents serving in the British Armed Forces, both regular or reserve. These children often face unique challenges including frequent house and school moves, as well as regular periods of separation from their serving parents. 

During the day, the children and Pensioners, who all served in the British Army exchanged stories about military life and gained an understanding of each other’s unique experiences living in the forces community.

Tristan Sweeney said: “It was an amazing experience, I made lots of new friends. John, who is a Chelsea Pensioner showed us around he was really kind and knew lots of facts. I had a brilliant time!”

Ava-Grace Johnstone added: “I loved decorating my tricorne hat and going to see where the Chelsea Pensioners lived. I made a few friend and had so much fun plating with her.”

The group decorate miniature Pensioners’ Tricorne hats with dandelions, the official flower of the military children. Symbolising the strength and resilience of military children who often have to move home and school due to their parents’ career. 

Sir Adrian Bradshaw, Governor of the Royal Hospital, said: “We relish the opportunity to share our rich history and heritage with younger generations. Bringing children and Chelsea Pensioners together to discuss the history of this institution, and to share experiences between generations, helps the young put today’s events and way of life in the context of the past, and perhaps will help them to make better judgements for the future.” 

Louise Fetigan, founder of the charity, Little Troopers, said: “There are tens of thousands of children in the UK whose parents serve in the British Armed Forces and the Month of the Military Child is about recognising the unique experiences these children go through as they grow up in the forces community.

"Today was a wonderful opportunity to connect military children with some of the iconic Chelsea Pensioners and understand just how much these two generations have in common.”

Louise added: “The children were fascinated to hear the Pensioners memories and tales of military life - many of the Pensioners had their own little troopers who are now grown-up - and the Pensioners were equally interested in the experiences of these modern-day military children. It was a special day that both groups will remember for many years to come.”