By Saul Cooke-Black

THE past came to life for Wycliffe Preparatory School pupils thanks to a visit from two Chelsea pensioners.

Marjorie Cole and Arthur Teasdale spoke to pupils from years six to eight about what it was like to live through a war.

For most of the pupils, such as Brendan Ind, it was the first time they have met anyone who had experienced war firsthand.

He said: “Mr Teasdale was in the Korean War and he told us that while he was on patrol he tripped and fell down a bank.

“It saved his life because the patrol was hit by a bomb and all the men he was with died.”

“You try to imagine yourself in that situation and how you would cope,” said Ben Bayliss, aged 12.

Ms Cole told the pupils about life in England during the Second World War.

“I can’t imagine what it was like living while the war was going on,” said Daniella Cruickshank.

“She told about us the rationing and how there were no credit cards or online shopping.

“And there was a limit on sweets.”

For 12-year-old Madeleine Palmer, the Chelsea pensioners had given her an understanding of history.

“In history class you are told the facts and that people live or die through it,” she said.

“But it’s different to hear someone talking about it and to experience a bit of what it must have been like.”