AJEX honours those with no known grave at Willesden Jewish Cemetery
101-year old D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh lays wreath at ceremony marking Battle of the Somme anniversary
AJEX held its annual service of remembrance at the War Memorial in Willesden Jewish Cemetery on Sunday 5 July, honouring the memory of more than 120,000 Jewish servicemen and women who served in the British Armed Forces in both World Wars, particularly those with no known grave.
This year’s ceremony also marked the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, with the service led by AJEX national chair Jon Tyler and Chaplain Rabbi Flight Lieutenant de Beck Spitzer, with the participation of community leaders, military representatives, cadets and descendants of those who served.
Wreaths were laid in memory of all Jewish servicemen and women, especially those with no known grave, by veterans Clive Boxer and Ivan Sugarman.
A wreath was also laid by Fusilliers Major Mick McCarthy and Major Paul Martin remembering all who have served in His Majesty’s Armed Forces, while the Mayor of Barnet and Mayor of Brent jointly laid a wreath marking the 110th anniversary of the First World War battle.
The final wreath was laid by 101 year old D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh along with Jon Tyler.
There were readings by Lord Alex Carlile, AJEX emeritus chair Dan Fox, AJEX honorary president Mike Bluestone, Norman Grant, Ron Shelley, Mei Sim Lai, Lynne Kersh, Barbara Kober and Miriam Marson.
The ceremony then moved to the Commonwealth War Graves Plot, where Magen David markers were laid in remembrance by cadets.
Many attendees continued to the adjacent Jewish Liberal Cemetery for further prayers led by Rabbi Nathan Godleman. Wreaths and poppy posies were laid at the memorial there.
Fiona Palmer, chief executive of AJEX, said: “Today we remembered not only those whose names are recorded on memorials, but also the many Jewish servicemen and women who have no known grave. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten, and it is our duty to ensure their stories continue to be told for generations to come.”
AJEX now looks ahead to its Annual Remembrance Parade on Sunday 15 November 2026, when the community will once again come together to honour the service and sacrifice of Jewish men and women in His Majesty’s Armed Forces.
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