Families of WW1 descendants, including a Hollywood film star, presented their service medals at a special ceremony in London

IMAGE: An Officer speaking to the congregation during the service at St George’s Memorial Church on Saturday 18 July 2026.

More than 100 civic leaders, academics, and young people visited historic First World War sites in France and Belgium alongside serving military personnel

The educational tour and reception honoured the Commonwealth contributions to the conflict, remembering the sacrifices of South Asian, West Indian, African, and Chinese service personnel and labourers

Op Reflect Global Chapter brings to life the shared military heritage of Commonwealth and UK communities to inspire a new generation

The British Army celebrated the service of two WW1 veterans, by presenting their descendants their war medals at a special reception, hosted at the National Army Museum in London, yesterday (29 July).

Pte Stanley Pantin was a volunteer from Tobago and served with the 5th Battalion British West Indies regiment during WW1. His family including son, grandchildren and great grandson, flew in from the island especially to receive the medals from the Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MP.

Speaking about the momentous occasion Pte Pantin’s grandson and Hollywood actor Winston Duke, who starred in the Avengers movies, said,

“It shows the contributions and how much we’ve added to the tapestry of not just world history but British history, to show that it’s all been very connected. Now we have proof, we have something that’s pretty much an added puzzle piece that really shows our families heritage and contribution to world history in a very clear way.

“We have medals, it’s something that’s really beautiful and I’m glad we get to share in this moment.”

Banwood Felix was a volunteer from Grenada, who served with the 12 Battalion British West Indies regiment during WW1. His family, including granddaughter Dr Leighan Renaud and 4-year-old great grandson Lucas Renaud-Cadet, also attended the ceremony to receive their ancestors service medals.

The event culminated the ‘Op Reflect Global Chapter’ commemorative tour of the Western Front, that brought to life the shared service and sacrifice of Commonwealth and UK communities.

Earlier this month, the attendees travelled to France and Belgium to visit historic sites, including the Menin Gate, St George’s Church, and the historic Cloth Hall in Ypres.

The group paid their respects at the Indian Corps Memorial at Neuve-Chapelle, Canada Farm Cemetery to study the British West Indies Regiment, and Lijssenthoek CWGC Cemetery to honour the Chinese Labour Corps. They also held an act of remembrance for the South African Native Labour Contingent at Longuenesse (St Omer) CWGC Cemetery.

The visit featured a formal military service of commemoration at St George’s Memorial Church and a gala reflection reception at the Cloth Hall, both in Ypres Belgium.

Delivered in partnership with civil society organisations, the programme highlights the enduring contribution of diverse communities to Britain’s story and the modern Armed Forces. At its core, the initiative seeks to connect heritage with contemporary opportunity, creating space for conversations about identity, service, and a shared national history.

IMAGE: Individuals who attended Op REFELCT at the Indian Corps Memorial at Neuve-Chapelle on Saturday 18 July 2026.

Brigadier Karl Harris CBE, who led the initiative, said:

“This programme was about more than remembrance, it was about recognition and connection.

“By bringing communities to the places where shared sacrifice was made, we sent a powerful message: that the story of Britain’s defence has always been diverse, and that this legacy belongs to all of us. It is through understanding this shared past that we can strengthen unity and a sense of collective purpose in today’s society.”

The trip included a number of young people, some of whom are considering careers in the British Army regulars and reserves.

Sophia Hadjinikolaou, 21, from Reading, a university student and Officer Cadet, reflected on the trip:

“As a young woman with a diverse background making my way into the Armed Forces, and a student of war studies and international relations, dissolving barriers that may exist within our community is central to my intentions during my career.

“I believe strengthening our understanding of one another will grant our community sound communication in any environment we face. In attending this endeavour, I established real connections with those who contribute to the wider organisation and learned how I can fit into the larger picture.”

Aaron Regan, 20, from Welwyn Garden City, whose grandmother served in the Royal Navy and paternal grandfather in the Fleet Air Arm, also attended. He said:

“For me, going on this tour was a vital chance to reflect on the sacrifices made by our armed forces to keep us safe, specifically those from Britain’s rich multicultural history through the commonwealth.

“Through shared learning and discussion, we can then carry their legacy forward.”

Rashi Taunk, 24, from Stevenage added:

“Learning about the journeys of the soldiers from the Commonwealth should not be forgotten, their sacrifices largely shape our present reality and we have a long way to go to ensure we make them proud”

Op Reflect will be continuing its activity throughout the year and into 2027, with further initiatives that highlight the Commonwealth contribution to Britain including an update and publication of the ‘Under One Flag: How Indigenous and Ethnic Peoples of the Commonwealth and British Empire helped Great Britain win WWII.’ The book will be distributed to young Cadets to inspire their service