A Sydney mayor has condemned the “appalling” suspected theft of a two-metre-high bronze honour roll from a north shore memorial park commemorating veterans of the First World War.
The bronze plaque had been bolted to the gate of the Turramurra Memorial Park since it was erected in 1928, but on Sunday night the honour roll listing the names of 67 local war heroes was taken by thieves.
“It is appalling to think that, nearly 100 years on, the roll has been stolen in the dead of night,” Ku-ring-gai Mayor Sam Ngai said.
The honour roll listed the names of seven people who died in battle, and also included Lieutenant Norman Dougall, who received a Military Cross after leading a counter-attack in France, the council said in a statement.
On April 15, 1917, Dougall led a platoon of 30 men in the attack, which led to significant enemy losses. He was killed in action three weeks later in Bullecourt.
“The construction of this honour roll, and the surrounding memorial gate, was funded through community donations to commemorate the fallen of the First World War,” Ngai said.
“It provided an ongoing and solemn reminder of the service of local residents fighting for our nation on faraway battlefields.”
Ngai is calling for witnesses to come forward.
The gate includes two honour rolls on each pillar, but only the left one was stolen. Large holes were left in the stones of the gate where the honour roll was bolted.
“This act of vandalism disrespects the memory of those who served our country, their families, and the community that continues to honour their sacrifice,” RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge said.
“It highlights the need for education to build awareness of the historical significance of war memorials and the values they represent.”
NSW Police confirmed they are investigating “reports of malicious damage”, and urged those with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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