A community effort
The community spirit that had seen local men enlist together at the start of the First World War was often reflected in its commemoration.
Local committees often spent years discussing and planning memorials. Not all discussions were straightforward. In 1920 the Harefield War Memorial Committee was described as
being in an 'invidious position' when deciding where to locate its memorial.
"We're marching off in company with death."
Leaving for the Front by Alfred Lichtenstein
The other main issue was cost. Much local energy went into fundraising. In 1919 the parishioners of Ruislip Common decided to hold a concert in the church rooms to raise the final £30 for a memorial plaque. There was a house to house collection in 1924 for the Uxbridge war memorial - then still £350 short of the amount required.
In 1919, Yiewsley FC played a match against the Armaments School football team to raise money for the Yiewsley and West Drayton memorial fund. This was supplemented by a series of concerts by local servicemen.
Lest we forget