Chelsea Pensioners join the Liberation of Guernsey
23rd May 2024
This month marked the 79th anniversary of the Liberation of Guernsey.
A group of 10 Chelsea Pensioners and serving soldiers from the Royal Gurkha Rifles visited the channel island to mark the occasion, the highlight was participating on the annual Liberation parade, reviewed by His Excellency Lt Gen Cripwell CB, CBE the Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey.
Chelsea Pensioner, Dewi, who attended this year said:
“It was excellent! Everyone was very welcoming, and the hosts at the hotel were incredible. I think my highlight was the Hangar ball! It was wonderful to mix with soldiers from the Gurkha Rifles too. We were all good friends by the end of the trip!”
We would like to thank Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers, and the many generous islanders who made the trip possible. A special thank-you to Les Rocquettes hotel for supporting the group on their itinerary and The Provincial Grand Lodge of Guernsey, Veterans club, Yacht club and Guernsey RBL for their continual support on the annual trip.
Major (Retired) Matt Clarkson, at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, accompanied the Chelsea Pensioners on the trip. He said:
“The opportunities available to the Chelsea Pensioners are one of a kind and go a long way to ensure our veterans enjoy life, feel valued, are united through comradeship and wear the Scarlet coat as proud veterans. If you’ve never been to Guernsey, you absolutely should!”
