Army

Chelsea's Scarlet Army: Episode Three

Chelsea’s Scarlet Army is a six-episode series which tells the inside story of Britain’s most iconic senior citizens, the Chelsea pensioners.

With unprecedented access, Forces TV spent a year charting the lives of these extraordinary men and women, witnessing a major make-over of their living quarters, hearing their amazing backstories and seeing everyday life at their world famous home - The Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Parachuting into enemy territory, terrifying night-time journeys under enemy fire, negotiating minefields and being taken prisoner of war.

These are just some of the experiences of these army veterans, many of whom played their part in some of the biggest conflicts of the last century.

But in later years, their lives often became lonely and isolated.

That’s where The Royal Hospital plays its part - instilling its residents with a renewed sense of purpose and feelings of pride.

In this particular episide, it’s Founders Day - the most important day on the Chelsea calendar. The pensioners are put through their paces as they rehearse for a perfect parade, in front of thousands of friends and family but Audrey has difficulties with a left-handed salute!

We meet Joe Britton, who at 102 is Chelsea’s oldest resident. He tells us about his time as despatch rider on the desert in Egypt during the Second World War, falling of his bike several time a day because “you couldn’t ride in the sand!”

Meanwhile, Bimbo’s dreams come true as she takes to the air once again, for a charity skydive. Fifty years after her last parachute mission!

Discover more about Chelsea's Scarlet Army here.