THE Chelsea Pensioners have followed in the footsteps of the Victoria College cadets by paying a visit to the replica trench at Samarès Manor before they return to their Royal Hospital Chelsea home today.

Local historian Peter Tabb had invited the four ex-military men to visit the trench yesterday. The trench has been open to the public on a number of occasions since the students spent 36 hours there a fortnight ago.

One of the pensioners visiting the trench was Les Perrier (78), who is a Jerseyman now residing in the Royal Hospital. Mr Perrier did not see active service but has three medals from his time in the Armed Forces as a Warrant Officer in the Royal Corps of Signals.

He was awarded the Suez Canal Zone 1951 Medal, the General Service Medal 1962 for service in the Malay Peninsula in 1964 and the Long Service Good Conduct Medal. Mr Perriere said that setting up the trench was appropriate for the 90th anniversary commemorations. ‘It is vitally important that we remember, because these wars continue,’ he said. ‘There is now only one survivor from the First World War trenches, so the history of these wars is really important.’

The four Chelsea Pensioners during their visit to the trench at Samarès Manor. Picture by Matthew Hotton (00600499)