Ex-special forces soldier becomes oldest veteran to join Chelsea Pensioners — aged 99

EX-SPECIAL forces soldier John Morris celebrates becoming the oldest veteran to join the Chelsea Pensioners — aged 99.

The Brit had settled in Sydney, Australia, in his 60s but had fallen on hard times — until a campaign backed by The Sun brought him home.


“I can’t say thank you enough,” John beamed as he had his first pint of Guinness with new pals at London’s Royal Hospital Chelsea.

“It is even better than I expected. I couldn’t ask for nicer people.”

Originally from Sittingbourne, in Kent, John fought throughout World War Two.

The great-grandad was offered a place at the Royal Hospital Chelsea after word of his plight reached SAS soldiers whose motto is "Who Dares Wins".

But he was at risk of losing his lodgings at the five-star old soldiers’ retirement home – whose members wear scarlet tunics – as he couldn’t afford the costs of relocating in the pandemic.

Most read in The Sun

NO RETURN

Meg & Harry's 'ship has sailed' for Royal return after missing event with Kate

'MORTIFIED'

Top telly couple call in lawyers after X-rated sex tape leaks online

'breaking down'

Pussycat Dolls' Ashley Roberts rushed to hospital over brain aneurysm fears

FANS' CONCERN

Love Island's Faye alarms fans as they spot scar on her tummy in sexy pics

The Sun answered a May Day call after charity Pilgrim Bandits launched an appeal for £10,000 to support John in Oz and get him home.

“I am being really well looked after," John added. The staff are amazing. The camaraderie’s great. Everything’s great – apart from the weather.”

We pay for your stories!

Do you have a story for The Sun news desk?

Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4104. You can WhatsApp us on 07423 720 250. We pay for videos too.

Click here to upload yours.

Click here to get The Sun newspaper delivered for FREE for the next six weeks.

    Source: Read Full Article