War graves smashed ahead of D-Day commemorations

'What possible satisfaction can they get from such a mindless act?' asks conservation group

Vandals destroyed military gravestones in the days leading up to D-Day‘s 75th anniversary in what police labelled a “mindless act of destruction”.

Several headstones, including some provided by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) for the anniversary, were smashed at Hirst Wood burial ground in Shipley, west Yorkshire.

Police believe vandals struck on Monday or Tuesday. Locals discovered the damage on Thursday, the anniversary itself.

On Facebook, Hirst Wood Regeneration Group campaigners said: “It is impossible to understand the callous thoughtlessness of those who did this.

“Do they boast to their friends and relations that they managed to smash gravestones? What possible satisfaction can they get from such a mindless act?”

The damaged graves included those of men killed in both world wars.

Among them was that of Arthur Sheard, who was buried with his four-year-old daughter, who died just two days after him.

Others included Frank Whittaker, a leading aircraftman for the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve who died in May 1944, and Peter William Bilsborough, a sergeant who was also from the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and who died in 1941.

Also targeted were the headstones of First World War figures like Captain Crossley, of the West Yorkshire Regiment, who died in March 1919 and gunner Henry Asquith Hardy, who died in January 1919.

CWGC workers have visited the cemetery to assess the damage. A spokesman said: “Someone has shown such a complete lack of respect on the 75th anniversary of D-Day, a day when so many tens of thousands assembled around the world to reflect and pay deserved respect to the war dead.

“Six of the eight war graves at this site were targeted and we will now clear away any debris and lay temporary markers.

“We will ensure all the damaged war graves at Hirst Wood are returned to a state befitting their sacrifice and continue to care for them.”

Police have increased their patrols in the area, senior officers said.

Det Insp Amanda Middleton, of West Yorkshire Police, said in a statement: “The gravestones were destroyed in what was a mindless act of destruction and I would urge anyone with any information to come forward and speak to the police.”

Additional reporting by PA