The British West Indies Regiment
BRITISH WEST INDIES REGIMENT’ Was established on October 26th 1915 at Seaford, East Sussex, from West Indies volunteers: ‘A’ Company from British Guiana, ‘B’ Company from Trinidad, ‘C’ Company from Trinidad & St. Vincent and ‘D’ Company from Grenada & Barbados.
________________________________________ An audience gathered at Seaford Station, Station Approach, East Sussex, BN25 2AR, on the afternoon of Monday, March 12th, for the unveiling of a Blue Plaque to celebrate the BRITISH WEST INDIES REGIMENT. The Nubian Jak Community Trust organised the unveiling with support from the councils of Seaford, Lewes and East Sussex.
War veterans, in-service men and women, The Mayor of Seaford, Seaford Railway Staff, and members of the general public and the media were in attendance.
In 1914 many West Indians left the colonies to enlist in the army in the UK, and were recruited into British regiments. The 1st Battalion was formed in September 1915 at Seaford, East Sussex, England. It was made up of men from; British Guiana—A Company, Trinidad—B Company, Trinidad and St Vincent—C Company and Grenada and Barbados—D Company. The regiment’s battalions saw service in East Africa, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, France and Italy.
397 officers and 15,204 other ranks served in the British West Indies Regiment. It was a volunteer regiment consisting of troops from the British colonies of the West Indies, which served on the Western Front and in the Middle East during the First World War. The regiment was awarded 5 DSOs, 9 MCs, 2 MBEs, 8 DCMs, 37 MMs and 49 Mentions in Dispatches.
“I am so pleased that a Blue Plaque is going to be unveiled at Seaford Station in recognition of the British West Indies Regiment, which was established here in Seaford in 1915. The regiment is part of Seaford's history. Yearly, we have a service of Remembrance for those who lost their lives, many of whom are buried at Seaford Cemetery.” The Mayor of Seaford, Councillor Linda Wallraven.
“At noon on Commonwealth Day 2018 (March 12th) the installation of a WWI Blue Plaque on Seaford station will finally be unveiled. The project started 2 and half years ago in Seaford, and we are delighted to have the support of Seaford, Lewes and East Sussex councils, as well as the local community, who will commemorate the role the town played in the historic formation of the British West Indies Regiment in 1915.” Jak Beula, CEO of the Nubian Jak Community Trust.
“It has been 103 years since the British West Indies Regiment was founded in Seaford. Their heraldry is well known to me as chair of Lewes council, and the people of Lewes are delighted that their services and sacrifices are being recognised with this blue heritage plaque.” Cllr Stephen Gauntlett Chair of Lewes Council.
“It is a great privilege to be included in the proceedings to commemorate and honour soldiers from the West Indies, who fought for Britain in WW1. Recognition and acknowledgement of their brave contributions to the war effort have been long overdue. My uncle, Private Robert Smith, of the 7th Battalion of the British West Indies Regiment, whose grave is in Belgium, was one of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. My relatives and I are extremely proud of his and his comrades' legacies.” Beulah Coombs, Lecturer and Niece of a WW1 BWIR Private.
“It is fantastic that the British West Indies Regiment will be recognised in Seaford with a plaque for their service during the war. During WW1, 81 medals were awarded for bravery, and 49 were mentioned in dispatches, and perhaps this plaque can be seen as Seaford’s honour to the men for their incredible bravery. I have two interests in this day, one that as Chairman of the Seahaven Branch of The Royal Society of St George we always support the annual commemoration at the Seaford Cemetery of the West Indian, Canadian and Irish troops who served and died here during the First World War. This is always well supported by members of our branch. My other interest is that as a Volunteer Broadcaster on Seahaven FM (96.3 fm) my programme, Forces on Parade is always conscious of the great contribution members of the armed forces from our then colonies and now the Commonwealth have made over the centuries to the defence of the Realm. Their efforts and commitment should never be forgotten, which is why this plaque at Seaford Railway Station is so important.” Robert A. Peedle MBE, Chairman, Seahaven Branch The Royal Society of St George & Volunteer Broadcaster, Seahaven FM.
“Sussex CRP and Seaford Station are pleased to host the unveiling of a blue plaque on behalf of the British West Indies Regiment. Seaford Station has recently celebrated 150 years of being a railway town with a steam train coming to add to the historic moment. Now, the regiment will re-capture their past influence in Seaford following the unveiling, with a reception in the Steamworks Craft Bar, enjoying their hospitality and maybe tasting some of the 150 craft beers brewed in Sussex, further bringing the station concourse to life. The old and the new meet again in memory of our heritage!!” Jon Freeman, Seaford to Brighton Line Director.
“At Southern, we are modernising the railway with new trains, improved buildings and working practices to give passengers better journeys. However, it’s very important that we also pay tribute to the heritage and diverse history of our lines. We are delighted to support the community in recognising the service of these inspirational men.” Andy Gardner, Seaford Station Manager.
Location: Seaford Station
Station Approach
East Sussex
BN25 2AR