About Us

The British West India Regiments Heritage Trust (BWIRHT) pronounced ‘Bright’ is a UK armed forces not-for-profit charitable organisation. Our name is formed of an amalgamation of the West India Regiments (WIR 1795 - 1927 & 1958 - 1962) and the British West Indies Regiment (BWIR 1915 - 1921).

Our core mission is to remember, honour and commemorate the contribution and sacrifices of the West India Regiments and their modern-day descendants. We promote West Indian military heritage for public benefit, through commemorative events, education and research.

Our purposeful activities

Increasing the numbers and visibility of black veterans at UK military commemorative events to highlight the continuous service and sacrifices made by people of Caribbean/West Indian heritage in support of British interests around the globe.

Curating flag bearing and wreath laying ceremonies where West Indians are buried in Commonwealth War Grave Commission sites and other cemeteries around the world. These graves stand as a permanent and emblematic reminder of the 15,600 West Indians who travelled from the West Indies to fight for freedom in the World Wars, many of whom did not return.

Encouraging and supporting serving personnel and veterans of West Indian heritage to continue the tradition of attending military commemorative events, established by our WW2 veterans.

Assisting serving West Indian heritage personnel in transitioning from the Armed Forces as they return to civilian life.

Providing or assisting in the provision of recreational, entertainment or leisure activities to maintain and build camaraderie, improve the social wellbeing and develop a spirit of community within the diaspora of Caribbean military community.

Developing opportunities to relieve hardship, poverty, and social exclusion within the Caribbean military community.

Developing links with partner organisations and funding initiatives for public benefit to address health inequalities by delivering social and mental health impact projects through peer support work.

Our Team

BWIRHT CIC and our commemorative events are led and curated by a small group of volunteers who have diverse lived and professional experience. All have a passion and commitment to ensure the service and sacrifice of the British West India Regiments and modern-day descendants is not forgotten or stories left untold.