Remembrance: Ivan's Story

Born and raised in Stockport, Manchester, Ivan served a total of 17 years in the British Army, primarily with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, helping supply troops with essential equipment and ammunition. His service included multiple postings across the UK, including Northern Ireland, as well as eight years in Germany.  

Ivan joined the Royal Hospital Chelsea in 2022, and the move has reignited his sense of purpose, camaraderie, and pride. 

“I joined the Army straight from school. Originally, I wanted to join the REME, however I couldn’t as I was colour blind. Instead, I joined the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, which I really enjoyed. I served for two and a half years as a boy soldier. Then, when I turned 17, I was posted out for full military service. I served for 15 years in total with postings in the UK, and I spent my last eight years in Germany,” he recalls. 

After leaving the Army in 1984, Ivan worked internationally in Oman supporting the Omani Air Force, then returned to the UK in 1994 to work for Monarch Airlines, Air Tours, and later Thomas Cook until retiring in 2018. Despite an active career, he admits that life after retirement left him in a bit of a rut. “I didn’t necessarily feel lonely, but I realise looking back that I wasn’t living my life to its full potential. It was something that occurred to me when I joined the Royal Hospital, in terms of how much I’d let myself go, and the fact I was so comfortable in my little bubble.” 

Joining the Royal Hospital Chelsea transformed his daily life. “Joining the Royal Hospital is the best thing I’ve ever done. It’s given me that old sense of camaraderie again.” Ivan quickly became a tour guide and active member of the Chelsea Pensioners Singing Group, which regularly supports the Royal Hospital’s Veterans’ Outreach programme. He also assists with chaperoning Pensioners to appointments and recording the Royal Hospital’s audio bulletin for those with vision difficulties. 

His involvement has rekindled the social connections he missed after leaving the Army. “When I joined here, I just felt alive again. I didn’t realise that I wasn’t fulfilling my potential before I came here. Once I joined, I realised what I’d been missing out on after being retired from the Army for 20 or 30 years. I’ve been to the Royal Albert Hall for the Remembrance Parade, marched past the Cenotaph, and I’ve also done a sponsored walk to collect money for the Royal Hospital.” 

For Ivan, the scarlet coat is a symbol of pride and unity. “I’m so proud to wear the scarlet coat, it’s such an important aspect of my life. It’s wonderful to see the acknowledgement we get from people when we wear it. The history of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and what it represents is one of the best things about being a Chelsea Pensioner.” 

Remembrance holds special significance for him. “I’ve been involved with the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall twice. Whenever I put my scarlets on for it or in general, I grow six inches. Remembrance is always important, but to attend as a Chelsea Pensioner makes it even more special.” He emphasises the responsibility of veterans to ensure younger generations remember the freedoms secured through the sacrifices of those who served. 

Ivan is deeply committed to outreach and ensuring no veteran feels forgotten. “It’s important that the Chelsea Pensioners and Veterans’ Outreach continue to make an active effort to engage with older veterans who might be sitting at home with memories of the comrades that they’ve lost. It’s important that they’re not left on their own and they’re not forgotten when it comes to Remembrance. If there are veterans who are feeling lonely or isolated, I would encourage them to get in touch with the Royal Hospital Chelsea. There’s comradeship out there and the opportunity to get together with people of a similar background and similar experiences.” 

Ivan has supported outreach events across the country, from Durham and Newcastle to Manchester, Portsmouth, and Aldershot. He regularly attends Armed Forces Breakfast Clubs and visits veteran communities with the singing group. “It’s really trying to reach those veterans who miss that sense of camaraderie and support. The feeling of being part of a community that thinks about them and cares about them. It plays a vital role. It’s extremely important.”