Pat Moir – Soldier to Chelsea Pensioner and a Lifetime of Memories

Pat Moir’s life has taken him from working at sea as a young man to many years in the British Army and eventually to the famous scarlet uniform of a Chelsea Pensioner. In this episode of Veterans Voices UK, Pat looks back on joining the Royal Signals before transferring to the Royal Horse Artillery, serving overseas in Hong Kong, completing tours of Northern Ireland during The Troubles and spending several years with the Army Youth Team. Along the way there are plenty of stories, humour and the unmistakable comradeship of Army life.

But behind Pat’s infectious humour are memories that have remained with him for more than half a century. He reflects on friendship, loss, leaving the Army and building a new life beyond military service, before eventually finding a new home and community at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Warm, funny and at times deeply moving, this is not simply a story about a soldier. It is the story of a veteran, a lifetime of experiences and the memories that never quite leave us. This is Pat Moir’s story.