Q&A · 2:34:05-2:34:26

Were Anson's Chelsea invalids intended for combat?

A closing clarification confirms that the Chelsea invalids filled Anson's requested soldier allocation, rather than merely accompanying a separate combat force.

British Army Chelsea Pensioners George Anson Military Manpower Military Veterans

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Question

Were the Chelsea pensioners simply filling a limited role rather than Anson's requested soldier allocation?

Short answer

They were the Army's answer to his request for 500 soldiers; only about half of the assigned men actually embarked.

Notes

The Army assigned 500 men from Chelsea Hospital against Anson's request for 500 soldiers. This was the soldier allocation itself, despite the audience's understanding that the pensioners had a more limited role. Only about half embarked, with the closing estimate given as roughly 240.