Call to vandals: 'respect the graves of our war dead' (From Western Telegraph)

Call to vandals: 'respect the graves of our war dead'

The graves of Pembrokeshire soldiers who fought for their country are being targeted by vandals.

Graves at the military cemetery in Pembroke Dock, date from as early as 1865. But headstones have been damaged by vandals and others have been deliberately removed. War veterans have expressed deep concern and called for people to respect the graves of the war dead.

Grass-cutting at the cemetery is the responsibility of the War Graves Commission. But according to former soldier, Ron Watts, contractors appointed by the commission have damaged and removed headstones. These have yet to be replaced. Six headstones are currently missing, he said.

"We have brought this matter to the attention of the War Graves Commission and it's promised to get in touch with the contractors. But we have heard no more from them,'' said Mr Watts.

He said the issue was upsetting to the families and comrades of soldiers buried at the cemetery. "We get people visiting from all over the country. Recently, a coach-load of members of the Cumbria branch of the Royal British Legion came to put a wreath on a grave here. It was very distressing when they not only had to dodge litter and dog mess, but found that the headstone was missing.''

He is hopeful that the issue of the missing headstones will be resolved, but is less optimistic that the vandalism will end.

"Do people realise what they are doing when they vandalise a graveyard? It defies belief that someone can set out to deliberately damage graves dedicated to the memory of men and women who lost their lives fighting for our future,'' he said.