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For over 300 years the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, has been the home of the world famous Chelsea Pensioners, all of whom are retired soldiers of the British Army.

This photograph, said to have been taken in 1908, shows some of the veterans being treated to a gramophone concert. If they were retired by 1908, some of these men could have been veterans of the Crimean War.

Great story and photograph. Thanks for posting! Steve

Amazing they stayed in uniform while retired. This must have been a new experience for them. Tom

tomb wrote:Amazing they stayed in uniform while retired. This must have been a new experience for them. Tom

To this day the Chelsea Pensioners wear uniform, blue for everyday use and the iconic scarlet when on parade.

Any former soldier of the British Army, male or female, over the age of 65 who is facing spending their retirement alone, can apply for residence as an in-Pensioner. They are one of the sights of London, revered wherever they go.

Men only till 2014 !

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... pital.html