In a disgraceful turn on the week of President Trump’s state visit, and D-Day commemorations to mark the 75th anniversary of the beach landings a British war heroes graves were vandalised in a disgraceful act that has shocked those who are aware of it.
It had been forgotten by vast amounts of the mainstream media that these commemorations were the first occasion that many of the veterans from the British and German sides have had the opportunity to meet.
One grave that was defaced was the resting place of Sgt Peter William Bilsborough who was only 21 years of age when he drowned on his way home from a 1941 Second World War mission. Unsurprisingly this has caused outrage. The widespread outrage will occur for several reasons. The first reason is that Mr Bilsborough served his country in defence of the freedoms that the United Kingdom enjoy today. The second reason this will particularly resonate with the wider public is the timing of the act, with the UK currently being in the process of commemorating the D-Day landings.
The West Yorkshire Police force is now said to be investigating the incident, which they said happened towards the start of the week just days before the D-Day anniversary.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which honours the 1.7 million men and women of the combined commonwealth forces who tragically lost their lives in the two world wars have said it is “deeply upset” by the damage.
In addition to this, the secretary of the Hirst Wood Regeneration Group Pauline Bradley-Sharp said: “Some people have got no respect for families” feelings. Pulling no punches, she went on to say, “If I could get hold of the people responsible, I would give them a good smack round the ear.” Her anger and hurt is evident for all to see.
Many will sympathise with the group who are a group of residents in West Yorkshire who are passionate about looking after their community. The group finished by saying “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 now and always.” Whilst this is welcome news the sadness in this community will last for a very long time.
Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
[sibwp_form id=4]
