The typical Chelsea Pensioner is stoic and resilient in the face of a crisis. During World War II, our veterans rose to the challenge as they found themselves in the firing line once more. While some were evacuated, many stayed put, growing their own vegetables and forming two Home Guard units. The Royal Hospital itself played a part in the war effort too – public air raid shelters were built in the grounds and our site became an air defence location.
Like much of London, the Royal Hospital had its share of tragedy during the Blitz – some of our historic buildings and dozens of our residents were casualties of Hitler’s bombs. Thanks to the Royal Hospital’s comprehensive war diary, we have a first-hand insight into the impact of the Blitz on our community. Here are some extracts from that fascinating record.
Royal Hospital War Diary
25 August, 1939
The first blackout was practised as the threat of war loomed over Europe and shelters were dug at different locations around the hospital grounds. A day later was the first gas mask fitting inspection, which reputedly caused some malcontent amongst the Pensioners who were faced with the distressing decision of whether to keep their facial hair!
2 September, 1939
A party of 50 Pensioners were evacuated to Rudhall Manor along with support staff where they remained until 1946. Notable art works were transported to Montacute House in Somerset for safe keeping. As the war progressed and bombing became more frequent, there were more evacuations to Ascott and Moraston houses. However, most of the Pensioners and staff remained at the Royal Hospital throughout the war.
16 April, 1941
This day saw one of the heaviest air raids of the Second World War and the Soane Infirmary was hit by an aerial mine that exploded and destroyed the East Wing. Tragically, there were heavy casualties; four nurses, the Wardmaster and eight Chelsea Pensioners were killed and 37 others were injured.
3 January, 1945
The North East Wing took a direct hit from a V2 rocket; the wing was completely destroyed and many surrounding buildings were significantly damaged. Five people from the Royal Hospital lost their lives as a result of this attack and 19 others were injured. Pensioners were temporarily accommodated in Sloane Gardens, sent on leave or evacuated.
The total fatalities during World War Two at the Royal Hospital was 18, with 56 people wounded. There were 29 bombing incidents and 117 incendiary devices that hit the Royal Hospital.
