Dutch Remembrance
Ceremony 2026
The afternoon of Friday 18th September was sunny and warm, as children from several local schools gathered for the sixth consecutive year to honour the 254 Dutch war dead buried in the Dutch Garden of Remembrance at Westminster Cemetery, Mill Hill (NW7).
Representatives of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission spoke to the children about why Dutch servicemen are buried in Mill Hill and explained how the Commission cares for these graves, along with those of British and Commonwealth war dead around the world.
At 2 pm, two members of Christ’s College CCF lowered the Dutch and British flags to half‑mast, accompanied by the Last Post played on the trumpet by Henry, a pupil at Belmont Preparatory School. After a short silence, he concluded the act of remembrance with Reveille.
Reverend Josh Kane of Mill Hill East Free Church led the service, attended by Lieutenant Colonel Sander Van Hees, Air and Space Attaché at the Netherlands Embassy, who delivered a thoughtful address. He was joined by Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Klabbers, Army Attaché.
The Worshipful The Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Zarah Beg, thanked the children for their participation and encouraged them to continue developing their understanding of remembrance.
A vote of thanks was offered by Martin Russell MBE DL, who expressed the hope that a plaque might one day be placed at the entrance to the Garden of Rest – similar to that in Oosterbeek – commemorating the children who lay flowers at the graves.
Members of the Barnet War Memorials Association, local councillors and many members of the public were also present.
As part of the ceremony, each child placed an orange carnation on a grave. Pupils from two schools then delivered short readings from the Book of Jeremiah with clarity and maturity. Many attendees wore their medals with pride.
Wreaths were laid by the Mayor, on behalf of the Borough, Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Klabbers, for the Embassy, Martin Russell on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant, Martin Crick for BWMA
Since 1944, Dutch schoolchildren have laid flowers at the graves of British and Commonwealth war dead in the Netherlands. This annual event in Mill Hill – now in its sixth year – has been organised by former Councillor Sury Khatri to reciprocate the gesture made in Holland.
The 2027 service will take place on Friday 17 September, and thereafter on the second Friday of September each year.
All images courtesy of Gerald Alterman and are Copyright of the BWMA.
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