The Dedication Of Finchley’s
New War Memorial
On a sunny afternoon on Sunday 26th September 2021, an impressive ceremony was held by Barnet War Memorials Association to dedicate a new war memorial in the grounds of Finchley Memorial Hospital.
The memorial commemorates, by name, the 1307 men and women from Finchley and Whetstone killed on active service in the two World Wars. This project has taken over six years to come to fruition.
The memorial was unveiled by General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE DL, Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, who was accompanied by several scarlet-coated In-pensioners.
In his speech, General Bradshaw particularly referred to the burdens borne by ex-service people, many of whom continue to suffer mentally long after conflict.
The consecration ceremony that followed the unveiling was led by the Bishop of London. The Rabbi of Woodside Park Synagogue, Rabbi Pinchas Hackenbroch representing the Chief Rabbi, recited the memorial prayer, and Fr Dermot O’Neill, Parish Priest of St Albans RC Church, North Finchley read the Gospel.
Martin Russell laid a wreath on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London; The Mayor, Cllr Alison Cornelius on behalf of the people of Barnet, Mr Barry Atkinson for Barnet War Memorials Association, Mrs Catherine Loveday for the families of those whose names are recorded on the memorial, Mrs June Hulbert, Mr Brian Dee and Mrs Peggy Collins representing the Royal British Legion Men’s and Women’s sections respectively, Mr Michael Bluestone, National Chairman on behalf of AJEX, and Mr Bishnu Gurung on behalf of the Gurkha Brigade Association. Many personal tributes were laid by members of the public.
Members of Parliament, Councillors, neighbouring Deputy Lieutenants and representatives from St John Ambulance and the Police, Ambulance and Fire Services also attended.
Ten Standard Bearers represented a wide range of ex-service organisations in the Borough and beyond. It is estimated that the crowd of local people exceeded two hundred in number.
Below are over 100 images of the days events. Please take some time to browse through them.
All images courtesy of Simon O’Connor and Gerald Alderman and all are Copyright of the BWMA.
