Ex-special forces soldier becomes oldest veteran to join Chelsea Pensioners — aged 99

EX-SPECIAL forces soldier John Morris celebrates becoming the oldest veteran to join the Chelsea Pensioners — aged 99.

The Brit had settled in Sydney, Australia, in his 60s but had fallen on hard times — until a campaign backed by The Sun brought him home.

“I can’t say thank you enough,” John beamed as he had his first pint of Guinness with new pals at London’s Royal Hospital Chelsea.

“It is even better than I expected. I couldn’t ask for nicer people.”

Originally from Sittingbourne, in Kent, John fought throughout World War Two.

The great-grandad was offered a place at the Royal Hospital Chelsea after word of his plight reached SAS soldiers whose motto is “Who Dares Wins”.

But he was at risk of losing his lodgings at the five-star old soldiers’ retirement home – whose members wear scarlet tunics – as he couldn’t afford the costs of relocating in the pandemic.

The Sun answered a May Day call after charity Pilgrim Bandits to support John in Oz and get him home.

“I am being really well looked after,” John added. The staff are amazing. The camaraderie’s great. Everything’s great – apart from the weather.”