HEROES DEFILED
Cops hunt the scumbags who wrecked war graves
THE GRAVES of six war heroes were destroyed just before the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
The headstones belonging to Brits who fought in both world wars were “deliberately” targeted, locals said.
Police condemned it as a “mindless act of destruction”. Officers said that six war graves and seven private plots were desecrated in Hirst Wood Burial Ground, Shipley, West Yorks,
Richard Coomber, of Hirst Wood Regeneration Group, said the wreckage had been discovered on Thursday, the 75th anniversary of D-Day. He added: “On this day of all days, you have to presume this was deliberate timing.”
Group secretary, Pauline Bradley-Sharp, said: “It’s a disgrace. It must be horrible for the families who have got their heroes buried there.”
Cllr Kevin Warnes said: “I am horrified and disgusted that anybody would do this to anyone’s grave, let alone a war grave, at a time when we are honouring the people who fought and gave their lives on D-Day and defended our country and Western democracy.”
The damage took place between 11am on June 3 and the evening of June 4. Only two war graves on the site remain intact. Det Insp Amanda Middleton, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Our investigation is ongoing into the vandalism of these gravestones. High visibility reassurance patrols have been stepped up in the area whilst officers continue with their inquiries.”
One of the plots belongs to Arthur Sheard, age 30, of Saltaire, Shipley, who died on May 22, 1918, after being injured in the field. He was buried with daughter Hilda, age four, who died the next day.
You have to presume this was deliberate timing, so near D-Day
RICHARD COOMBER ON DESECRATION OF GRAVES