YOBS who smashed and damaged graves of war veterans in the run up to the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings have been branded “a disgrace”.
Gravestones in Hirst Wood Burial Ground, Shipley – of soldiers who fought in the First and Second World Wars and in one case trained the Bradford Pals – have been smashed by vandals, leaving the community in shock and anger.
Members of a local regeneration group said the damage caused was “disgusting” and lamented the complete lack of respect shown to those who gave their lives to protect freedom.
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It is believed the military graves were targeted as civilian plots had been left untouched.
West Yorkshire Police said it happened between 11am on Monday June 3 and Tuesday June 4.
One of the graves damaged belongs to Driver Arthur Sheard, from Saltaire, who died aged 30 on May 22, 1918, at Morton Banks Military Hospital in Keighley after being injured in the field. He was buried with full military honours alongside his four-year-old daughter Hilda Sheard, who died the day after her father. Mr Sheard’s headstone has been smashed into four pieces.
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Another damaged grave belongs to Shipley resident James Grimshaw Crossley, who died in 1916, aged 61.
He had played a key role in the training of the Shipley Volunteer Corps and the Bradford Pals 1st Battalion following an extensive career in the mounted infantry.
Leading Aircraftman Frank Whittaker, who died on May 25, 1944, aged 40, is also buried at the site and his gravestone was smashed to pieces by vandals.
And the headstone commemorating Sgt Gunner Peter William Bilsborough, who died aged 21 on November 27, 1941, and was buried at sea, was pushed over.
Police officers were on the scene yesterday investigating the incident, which is being treated as criminal damage.
Pauline Bradley-Sharp, secretary of Hirst Wood Regeneration Group, said the damage was “a disgrace”.
She said: “Some people have got no respect for families’ feelings.
“It hurts my heart to see this, it’s a terrible thing to do. It’s a disgrace.
“I haven’t got anyone in the burial ground but we are all affected by this, and it must be horrible for the families who have got their heroes buried there.
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“D-Day is a very important day for us all and it is just dreadful what they have done.
“If I could get hold of the people responsible I would give them a good smack round the ear.”
Mrs Bradley-Sharp said there have been ongoing problems in the burial ground with anti-social behaviour and crime.
“For quite a while people have been going into the cemetery and stealing the Celtic crosses,” she said.
“Some have been destroyed and some have disappeared altogether. St Paul’s Church in Shipley owns the burial ground and we have given them SmartWater in the past to put on the graves to try and stop them from being stolen.”
Richard Coomber, who is also a member of the group, added: “It is disgusting; it’s hard to think of suitable words to describe these people.
“On this day of all days, you have to presume this was deliberate timing.”
Councillor Kevin Warnes (Green, Shipley) condemned the damage on such an important day in history.
He 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.”
Councillor Martin Love (Green, Shipley) said the damage was “beyond comprehension”.
He said: “It’s shocking any gravestones can be vandalised in this way, and it’s particularly shocking they are war graves on a day like today.
“This is a totally unnecessary crime, it is quite sickening really.
“What on earth makes someone want to do that? It is beyond comprehension.”
Carole Ver, 75, from Nab Wood, walks her dog around the burial ground two or three times a week.
She said: “I’m really upset because I’d just been watching the commemoration of D-Day on the television and then I walk round to see that. It’s appalling.
“It’s the war graves that have been singled out – I would say at least seven or eight of them. They’re the white ones and they’ve been smashed to pieces. It’s devastating.
“When I walked through, there were about six or seven police officers there investigating. I can’t imagine who would want to do a thing like this.”
Detective Inspector Amanda Middleton, said: “Our investigation is ongoing into the vandalism of these gravestones. 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.
“High visibility reassurance patrols have been stepped up in the area whilst officers continue with their enquiries.”
Anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information is asked to contact Bradford District Police via 101 quoting log number 952 of 6 June. Information can also be passed to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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