On Monday 24th October 2022, the two charities launched a series of events to commemorate the publication of the book. This launch was held at the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Museum at The Tower of London. Speakers included, AJEX National Chairman, Dan Fox, Education and Outreach Officer, Paula Kitching, WWTT Project Director, Alan Fell, Jewish Chaplaincy in the British Armed Forces Author, Jonathan Lewis, Rabbi Major Reuben Livingstone who read the Memorial Prayer and Anthony Rau.
First published in 1922, the comprehensive 1,000 plus page volume, which contains some 55,000 records of Jews who had served in the armed forces during the conflict between 1914-1918. The book was the result of meticulous research by the Reverend Michael Adler, the senior Jewish Chaplain of the British Army at the time. Forewords were written by Adler, Monash, and others such as the then Secretary of State for War, Winston Churchill, and Field Marshall Haig. The book contains fatalities and casualties, military honours, the Jewish units, and the work of Jewish hospitals as well as other Jewish institutions and agencies.
AJEX National Chairman, Dan Fox said: “World War One was a turning point for British-Jewish identity and for the community in this country. The commitment of Jewish men and women to the allied war effort was incredible and spanned the newest privates in the trenches, crews in untested tanks, nurses in hospitals, pioneering aviators in the skies, sailors fighting naval battles, and generals leading victories from HQs. It deserved, and continues to deserve, the fullest recognition”.
Fox added, “The British Jewry Book of Honour remains a fitting tribute to those who served between 1914-18 and stands as a unique artefact around which Jews today can refute any question of our loyalty to Britain. This Book is the embodiment of AJEX's three-fold mission of Remembrance, welfare and education”.
3,000 copies were published of the hefty volume which responded to a very human need. Members of the community who lost loved ones in the conflict were able to remember them and it provided hard evidence of the contribution to the war effort, and the price paid in human terms, at a time of growing anti-Semitism. The book, which started as a compassionate endeavour, has become an essential genealogy primary source for historians and members of the community researching family histories.
WWTT Project Director, Alan Fell said: “The Book of Honour is nothing short of a treasure trove for families, genealogists and researchers. It is fitting that the centenary commemoration of the Book was held before such a distinguished audience in the Regimental home of the Fusiliers, that Regiment Rev. Adler knew only too well. We are delighted it is now digitised, on our site www.jewsfww.uk and is being accessed across the world”.
AJEX is searching for the original 3,000 copies to trace as many of the numbered volumes still in circulation as possible. The original book has a deep blue cover however some copies may have seeped in appearance due to the books age.
If you find a copy or know of an owner share the edition number that can be found on the first page with AJEX by emailing: bookofhonour@ajex.org.uk or calling 020 8202 2323.AJEX has also produced 50 Limited Edition trophies which are available for purchase via their website along with a special commemorative booklet. The booklet will also be available as a stand-alone publication at www.ajex.org.uk
The Annual AJEX Parade and Ceremony takes place on Sunday 20th November AJEX, Chief Executive Fiona Palmer said: “100 years since this publication recognised the enormous contribution of the Jewish community to the welfare of the nation we encourage as many people as possible to come join or watch the Parade on 20th November. This centenary will make this year's Parade more poignant than ever as we are joined by the next generation including the JFS Cadets, JLGB, schools and families of ex servicemen and women."
To find out more about the events to mark the centenary visit: www.jewsfww.uk and to book to march at the Parade visit www.ajex.org.uk/paradebooking
