The Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the Chelsea Pensioners

World War One bombing commemoration at Royal Hospital

15th February 2018

The Royal Hospital Chelsea has marked 100 years since it was bombed during a series of World War One air raids on London. The 16th February 1918 bombing destroyed the Hospital's North East Wing, which has since been restored, and resulted in the tragic deaths of a member of staff - Captain of Invalids Ernest Ludlow MC - and his family. 

The anniversary was marked at the Royal Hospital by Chelsea Pensioners, senior staff and descendeants of the surviving Ludlow family members, with a drumhead ceremony and wreath laying.

The restored site of the bombing is now Chelsea Pensioner accommodation, and as part of the commemorations the communal lounge has been dedicated as the 'Ludlow Lounge' in tribute to those who lost their lives in the bombing. 

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