Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Memorial in Masnières, France

The Royal Guernsey Light Infantry (RGLI) were the only French-speaking British battalion in World War I. It was also believed to be the last of the so-called "pals battalions" to be raised. The RGLI battalion came from the island of Guernsey, a self-governing dependency of the British crown located in the Channel Islands. Historically, Guernsey didn’t have conscription. When the island’s government created the unit in 1916, it did not accept conscientious objection as a reason to avoid being drafted. This memorial site in France commemorates the hundreds of men who were lost from Guernsey during World War I. A stone taken from Guernsey is placed at the same consequential position that the RGLI battalion held for three days against the enemy's advances.

Mar 27, 2025 - 17:39

Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Memorial in Masnières, France

A memorial to those who served with the RGLI in WWI.

The Royal Guernsey Light Infantry (RGLI) were the only French-speaking British battalion in World War I. It was also believed to be the last of the so-called "pals battalions" to be raised.

The RGLI battalion came from the island of Guernsey, a self-governing dependency of the British crown located in the Channel Islands. Historically, Guernsey didn’t have conscription. When the island’s government created the unit in 1916, it did not accept conscientious objection as a reason to avoid being drafted.

This memorial site in France commemorates the hundreds of men who were lost from Guernsey during World War I. A stone taken from Guernsey is placed at the same consequential position that the RGLI battalion held for three days against the enemy's advances.