Our Journey

The RGLI commissioned, established and installed in 2017 the only memorials to the Regiment in Masnieres, France and latterly in 2018 and 2019 in St Peter Port, Guernsey. It maintains these without government support. 

 

In 2018 it established the transition of a regular exchange of the 'Rue Verte flag' which is a Guernsey flag that spends twelve months below the original Regimental Colours in the town church before being sent to France and on 30th November each year is raised above the memorial. When it is retired after that 12 months, failed and often town it is returned to Guernsey and presented to the family of a soldier who served in the Regiment.

In 2019 it increased its work to move from the 'commemorative to the cultural' forging lasting links of cultural diplomacy by twinning Masnieres and St Peter Port at Maison Victor Hugo in Guernsey.

In 2020 the RGLI established educational student exchanges between Guernsey and Masnieres which continue their ambition to instil positive values through experiences across communities enhancing global citizenship. These continue to grow each year.

 

In 2021 the RGLI appeared at island events with their marque promoting the shared thirster and raising funds through merchandise. In addition to this they have hosted events including the twinning exchanges, student hosting and battlefield tours.

In late 2025 the RGLI arranged the restoration of the Regimental Dinner at the traditional site of Elizabeth College. By kind donation the Regimental Colours were renewed and dedicated at the Town Church and now appear at regular remembrance events around the islands.

 

In addition to this the RGLI began an informal link with the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment to promote our historic connections to the British Army.

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In 2025 the RGLI agreed terms with the property owners of 16 Rue Verte and raised the sum to buy the property and grounds, once a suitable society had been created

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In early 2026 they announced the appeal and commencement of 'Project No 16' the acquisition and refurbishment of 16 Les Rue Verte, the most important building outside Guernsey. This was the property in which the men of the RGLI sheltered and held the line in 1917. The objective being to turn this into a community, education and historic centre to form the basis of a physical fixing of this cultural work between the two communities. 

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To supplement this significant work the RGLI Trust became the RGLI LBG in Guernsey allowing it to form a membership association which many islanders had asked to join. Together with the mayor of Masnieres the RGLI have formed in France the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Association which is a recognised charity by the French state as a 1901 association. 

The work continues to bond all aspects of our communities together in friendship and fraternity borne from a shared history. The Royal Guernsey Light Infantry LBG & The Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Association (France) are registered charities which receives all its support from the generous donation of the public.
 
The RGLI are grateful for the unique dual patronage of both His Excellency The Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey, Lieutenant General Sir Richard Cripwell and The Bailiff of Guernsey, Sir Richard McMahon.