Some months ago Delphina (LV) approached Mrs Wakefield with an idea. She has a family friend, a Chelsea pensioner, who served in World War Two in the Raiding Support Regiment of the SAS and Partisans. He was in the Battle of Britain at the age of 17. More information about his story can be found here.
Fast forward to Monday 1 December and John Morris arrived at St Mary’s Calne, resplendent in the scarlet uniform of the Chelsea pensioners. Delphina was there to greet him and, along with fellow pensioner Charlie Farley and Sarah Adams (executive of the Special Forces Club), made his way to Chapel to be greeted by years 5 and 6 from St Margaret’s. He enthralled the students, many of whom are studying World War Two, and the questions that they asked him were both mature and thoughtful drawing on their own studies.
John spoke particularly highly of the Pilgrim Bandits, a charity that supports veterans and were instrumental in bringing him back to the UK during Covid. He asked the students to look into the charity and encouraged them to talk to their parents about donating to this vital charity. We were honoured to be presented with a Pilgrim Bandits plaque that we will erect in school. Their website is www.pilgrimbandits.org
After a short break, the Fourth Form of St Mary’s arrived to ask their questions. Whilst not currently studying World War two (UIV look at the turning points of the war at the end of this term) they were able to draw on their own knowledge and enthusiasm for History. History Club members were some of the students to ask interesting and thought-provoking questions, but many students were happy to ask him about his experiences and ideas both during and after the war.
We are so grateful for this increasingly rare opportunity to meet and talk to a World War Two veteran and wish to express our thanks to John as well as Charlie and Sarah who supported the event.
Mrs Sam Handy, Head of History and Politics
