Book of Remembrance will honour Islington's war dead

THOUSANDS of Islington soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in war are being commemorated in a unique Book of Remembrance.
From the Boer War to the Blitz, the names of an estimated 4,000 residents killed in conflict are being carefully collected by Islington Council.
The names will be included in an online Book of Remembrance - thought to be the first of its kind in Britain - where loved ones can pay their respects.
Unusually, it will include those killed during the bombing raids of World War II as well as servicemen who died in battle.
Cllr James Kempton, Leader of Islington Council, said: "Tragically, many thousands of people from Islington died in the wars of the last century.
"Never before have all their names been brought together, and this will be a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives, from all ages and backgrounds."
Among those who will be included in the Book of Remembrance, which will run up to the present day, are:
* Emma Elizabeth Henesy, who at 96 was possibly the oldest victim of the Blitz when her home in Islington Park Street was bombed on October 9 1940.
* John Bentley, a greaser in the Merchant Navy who died when his ship, the MV Edwy R Brown was sunk by a U-boat off the coast of Iceland on February 18, 1941.
The Book of Remembrance is expected to be completed in the first half of 2009.
Researchers are keen to talk to people who have photos, specific details or memories of anyone from Islington who has died in war. Anyone with information can contact Project Manager John Shepherd on john.shepherd@islington.gov.uk 
 

For more information contact Chris Roe, Islington Council Media Officer, on 020 7527 8751.