Hillingdon marks WW1 centenary

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A programme of special events will take place across Hillingdon to mark the centenary end of World War 1.

A week of remembrance will start Monday 5th November at the Battle of Britain Bunker, Uxbridge, with a particular focus on Hillingdon residents who were involved in the war.

Ray Puddifoot, leader of Hillingdon council, said: "Remembrance Day is particularly poignant this year as it is also the centenary year of the end of the first world war.”

Around 888,246 British and Commonwealth service personnel were killed during WW1. A commemorative book detailing Hillingdon residents who lost their lives has been made and will be available across all the borough's 17 libraries.

Cllr Puddifoot added: “It is appropriate that we take time to be reminded of the great sacrifices that Hillingdon men and women - and indeed those of all British and Commonwealth countries and other allies - made, and ensure that these are remembered for generations to come."

Animal rights charity, The Blue Cross will also be holding talks to highlight the role animals played in the conflict.

Brunel University currently does not have any plans to commemorate the centenary, but engineering student Kendra-Lee Heney, 24, said: “I think Remembrance Day is really important. I’m from Canada and back home it’s a really big deal.

“I think it’s important to know how we got our freedom and ignoring their sacrifices is a bad thing.”

Last month, Cambridge University’s Student Union (CUSU) controversially voted down a motion to promote Remembrance Sunday amid fears it glorifies conflict.