Military child from Larkhill meets Chelsea Pensioners

Arlo Sullivan, five, was one of 15 military children invited to meet some of the Pensioners as part of the Royal Hospital Chelsea's Soane Stable Yard redevelopment project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund as his dad serves in the British Army.

He was invited to meet the iconic Chelsea Pensioners at a special intergenerational event organised by the charity Little Troopers and Royal Hospital Chelsea, in a project showcasing the heritage of the Royal Hospital Chelsea with a purpose-built Chelsea Pensioner Museum which will open to the public in October this year, along with a dedicated space for Veterans’ Outreach, a café and post-office.

Little Troopers is a registered charity supporting service children who have parents serving in the British Armed Forces, both regular or reserve. 

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Arlo and his dad (Image: Little Troopers)

Founder of Little Troopers Louise Fetigan said: “This event was about bringing together two completely different generations who both have a connection to the Armed Forces and were interested in learning more about each other’s lives and experiences.  

"We’ve had children travel from all over the country to attend and we’d like to thank the Royal Hospital for helping to facilitate such a special event that these little troopers will remember fondly forever.”

The Pensioners and Little Troopers exchanged stories about military life, and then after touring the hospital grounds, the group decorated miniature Pensioners’ Tricorne hats and painted dandelions – the official flower of the military child - symbolising the strength and resilience of military children, who often have to cope with having a parent deployed overseas, as well as regularly moving home and school.  

Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea general Sir Adrian Bradshaw said: "Bringing Chelsea Pensioners and children from military families together to learn about the history of this institution and to share experiences will both help the young to put their lives into the context of the past, and reveal powerful social connections which bridge different generations of the military family.

"The children will leave today with a better understanding of the value we must place on veteran care and will hopefully carry this with them into their future." 

Arlo added: “The visit was great! My favourite bit was making friends with pensioner Helen and going on a treasure hunt.”