For generations, people from across the Commonwealth have served alongside Britain and for Britain, contributing their courage, skill and sacrifice for the freedoms we cherish today. That legacy continues not only through those currently serving, but through veterans who have gone on to make lasting contributions in communities, professions and public life.
That shared heritage is not just something we remember, but something we actively build upon.
Operation (Op) Reflect Global Chapter (ORGC) is the British Army’s commitment to recognise and bring to life that legacy, connecting the experiences of those who have served, those who continue to serve, and those who may serve in the future. Doing so strengthens trust with our communities and opens up future opportunities for a new, inspired and motivated generation.
We connect Defence with the grassroots, bringing together civic and military leaders, veterans, serving personnel, young people and storytellers.
ORGC does so through:
- Commemoration of Commonwealth service and shared sacrifice
- Conversation in both community and military settings about identity, belonging and service
- Access to lived experience through serving personnel and veterans who have built credible pathways into Army careers, leadership roles and successful civilian futures
Through events, partnerships and by sharing the stories of those who serve and those who have served, Op Reflect creates a space where heritage meets future opportunity.
The United Kingdom is constantly changing, and so is the Army. In order to remain effective and connected to the society it serves, the Army is working to:
- Build stronger relationships with communities who have in recent times not typically been engaged with the military
- Demonstrate, through action, how public service is open to all who have the motivation to lead, contribute and make a difference
- Highlight how the values, skills and experiences gained through service continue to benefit society, with veterans playing important roles across industries, communities and public life
- Increase awareness and understanding of how the Army develops dynamic leaders for the future*
* Note: Op Reflect is not a recruitment programme but fixed firmly on engagement and raising awareness.
For many, the story of service is already part of their family or community history.
Op Reflect offers a chance to:
- Reconnect with that story
- See how it continues in today’s Army and through the contributions of veterans
- Consider what your own role in that future might be, in uniform or through wider service to society
Service is not just about where you come from. It is about where you could go next, and the impact you can have beyond it.
Op Reflect is tailored for different groups and people (civic, military, civilian) to become part of the conversation. This includes:
- Young people (18–25) exploring future opportunities or means of developing themselves
- Parents, families and communities seeking trusted, authentic information about lived experience
- Veterans who wish to share their experiences, continue their contribution, and inspire future generations
- Civic leaders and community influencers who shape and guide engagement with institutions
- Educators and professionals interested in storytelling, public service and social mobility
- Those with a personal or historic connection to Commonwealth service to find meaning in the past that inspires the future
Whether you are curious, supportive, or simply want to understand more, find out more by getting in touch with the ORGC team.
Op Reflect activity runs throughout the year and includes:
- Community-oriented events and discussions including at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
- Opportunities to hear from serving personnel, veterans and senior Army leaders, sharing lived experience and leadership insight
- Moments of commemoration that connect past service to present purpose and future contribution
ORGC activities are designed to build understanding, reduce barriers and create meaningful connections.
If you would like to learn more about Op Reflect, upcoming activity, or opportunities to get involved, please email using the address below;
email us here
A visit to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Indian Army Memorial Room in August 2025 by dozens of diverse young people interested in exploring careers opportunities. Credit: Major J. Singh-Sohal OBE
Brigadier Karl Harris CBE and Colonel (Retired) Andy Allen MBE discuss the service of the Windrush Generation to the British Armed forces, marking the 75th anniversary of Windrush Day.
Almost 100 soldiers, veterans, musicians, faith leaders and community champions travelled to the church to unveil the plaque in honour of their sacrifice, including the British Army's highest-ranked black officer, Brigadier Karl Harris, and the first black colonel, Andy Allen.
British Army honours forgotten Commonwealth heroes to inspire a new generation
Families of World War One (WW1) descendants, including a Hollywood film star, presented their service medals at a special ceremony in London
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, (29 July).
Private (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 four-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.
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 (World War Two). The book will be distributed to young Cadets to inspire their service.
