Pupils from St Mary’s Calne and St Margaret’s Prep enjoyed a rare and memorable encounter with a World War Two veteran after Chelsea Pensioner John Morris visited the schools to share his wartime experiences.
The event was made possible thanks to Delphina, a Fifth Form student at St Mary’s, who approached staff earlier this year with the idea. Delphina has a family friend who served in the Raiding Support Regiment of the SAS and Partisans during the Second World War. John Morris, who joined the conflict at just 17 and was involved in the Battle of Britain, agreed to visit the school and speak with pupils.
On Monday 1st December, he arrived at St Mary’s resplendent in the traditional scarlet uniform of the Chelsea Pensioners. He was welcomed by Delphina, fellow pensioner Charlie Farley, and Sarah Adams, an executive at the Special Forces Club, before being greeted in Chapel by Years 5 and 6 from St Margaret’s.
Many of the younger pupils are currently studying World War Two, and John captivated them with stories from his service. Staff described the children’s questions as mature, thoughtful and well-informed, drawing on their lessons and wider reading.
During his visit, John highlighted the work of the Pilgrim Bandits, a charity that supports military veterans and played a crucial role in bringing him back to the UK during the Covid pandemic. He encouraged pupils to learn more about the organisation and speak to their families about supporting its work. The school was also presented with a Pilgrim Bandits plaque, which will be displayed on site.
After a short break, students from the Fourth Form gathered for their own session. Although they are not currently studying the Second World War, they engaged enthusiastically, drawing on their historical knowledge to ask insightful questions. Members of the History Club were among those who posed thoughtful queries about John’s experiences both during and after the war.
Mrs Sam Handy, Head of History and Politics, said the school was “incredibly grateful” for the opportunity.
“We are so fortunate to have welcomed John to St Mary’s and St Margaret’s,” she said. “Opportunities to meet veterans of the Second World War are becoming increasingly rare, and the students benefited enormously from hearing his first-hand account. We also thank Charlie and Sarah for supporting the visit.”
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