Dozens of headstones desecrated at Auburn cemetery, in South Australia’s Mid North

VANDALS who desecrated dozens of graves and a monument to a South Australian war hero have been labelled “despicable” by Premier Jay Weatherill, who has pledged government help with repairs.

CALLOUS vandals have desecrated almost 50 headstones at a Mid North cemetery in an attack described as “barbarous” by the local mayor.

Police are investigating after 46 headstones and memorials were smashed or pushed over at the Auburn Cemetery, on Moores Rd.

The attack, which caused up to $300,000 damage, was reported by locals to police yesterday morning but it is believed the incident may have happened three days ago.

Responding to The Advertiser’s report on the incident, Premier Jay Weatherill took to social media to pledge that the State Government would help pay for repairs.

“Once these cowards are caught they should pay for this senseless destruction,” he tweeted.

A despicable act. State Govt will contribute towards repair. Once these cowards are caught they should pay for this senseless destruction. https://t.co/UjfYi8gOcO

— Jay Weatherill (@JayWeatherill) 4 November 2017

Clare and Gilbert Valleys Mayor Allan Aughey told the Sunday Mail it was “beyond my comprehension” how anyone could damage a gravesite.

“It’s a cowardly and dastardly act on an unprecedented scale,” he said.

“It’s an affront to our community. It’s a barbarous act.

“These people (responsible) need to be hunted down and given proper and appropriate punishment.”

Headstones desecrated at Auburn cemetery

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One memorial destroyed in the attack paid homage to fallen soldier Walter Edmund Millard, who was killed in action during the Battle of the Somme during World War I 101 years ago.

Private Millard was born in Auburn on August 19, 1886, and died on August 20, 1916, the day after his 30th birthday.

He was a talented footballer and a member of the Freemasons before enlisting in 1915.

RSL state president Bronson Horan said he felt “let down” and hoped that Pte Millard’s memorial could be fixed.

“I would actually say to the community if they require any assistance from the RSL in possibly rededicating Walter’s memorial, we’d be happy to look at that,” Mr Horan said.

Mr Aughey suspected “out-of-towners” were to blame and he felt sorry for affected families.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.