Remembering Wartime Willesden

Join us for a moving afternoon of remembrance as we explore the lives of those connected to wartime efforts, both on the Front and on the Home Front, who are commemorated at Willesden Jewish Cemetery.

Discover the personal stories of men and women who made extraordinary sacrifices during the First and Second World Wars. Their lives are honoured through Commonwealth War Graves as well as through memorials lovingly dedicated by their families.

Willesden Jewish Cemetery is also proud to be home to the UK’s first national Jewish War Memorial. This significant monument commemorates Jewish servicemen and women, who lost their lives in both world wars and continues to serve as a powerful focal point for acts of remembrance today.

Throughout the day the House of Life Heritage Centre will host a free exhibition of Trench Art, curated by military historian and our volunteer Stan Kaye. He will be on hand to talk about a fascinating collection of shells and bullets, decorated by soldiers, who used a nail or a bayonet point to scratch names and dates. Some even had pictures or poems on them. Others were transformed into works of art or made into useful household tools by local people after the wars. Visitors had a unique opportunity to learn about and hold an object that is over 100 years old which caused death and destruction, as well as becoming a piece of art.

A limited amount of parking is available on site. Wheelchairs can be provided upon request. No dogs, with the exception of guide dogs.