Shropshire ex-servicemen become Chelsea Pensioners

Mike Shanahan, 67, who used to ring the bell in Bishop's Castle, and ex-south Shropshire councillor Major Adrian Coles MBE are now resident at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Founded in 1692, the Royal Hospital was opened for retired ex-soldiers and is now home to about 300 retired Army ex-servicemen and ex-servicewomen.

Major Coles, 83, said: "The word 'hospital' in those days meant 'refuge' so it was not a hospital as we know it today.

"There is, however, an excellent modern infirmary named after Margaret Thatcher so as an old soldier becomes infirm, he or she is well looked after in their autumn years.

"Chelsea pensioners are known and seen around the world. For example, Mike is travelling to Australia this week and will represent the Royal Hospital in Melbourne on ANZAC Day.

"We have both been on TV at the Royal Albert Hall Festival of Remembrance last year and also the Cenotaph Parade.

"Mike is also kept busy also as the Royal Hospital's piper. As a piper he was well known in the area."

To become a Chelsea Pensioner people must be over 65, have served as an "Other Rank" in the army and pass a stringent selection process.

Mr Shanahan's military career began in 1961 with two years in the General Service Corps.

He spent five years in the Royal Enniskillen Fusiliers and then, from 1968 to 1974, was with the Royal Irish Rangers.

He joined the ambulance service, but was then commissioned in the Army Cadet Force from 1982 to 2006.

Major Coles was with Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers from 1948-1956 and the Royal Army Ordinance Corps from 1956 to 1973. He was also a Territorial Army Major.

Mr Shanahan said:

"It is the finest retirement home in the world and will still be there for the soldiers serving today."