‘Low act’: Mayor, residents ‘appalled’ over theft of 2m tall WW1 honour roll from Sydney park

Residents have condemned the theft of the 2m tall bronze honour roll commemorating the First World War service of 67 war heroes with speculation it may have been removed to be sold off as ‘scrap metal’.

The brazen theft of an honour roll commemorating the First World War service of 67 war heroes including seven who died in battle has been slammed by a Sydney mayor as an “appalling” act of vandalism.

Ku-ring-gai Council is condemning the theft of the 2m tall bronze honour roll that was fixed with bolts to the entrance gate of Turramurra Memorial Park on Sydney’s upper north shore.

It is believed the theft took place between the honours Sunday night and Monday morning when offenders managed to wrangle the bronze roll from the sides of the bricked gate entrance.

Ku-ring-gai Mayor Sam Ngai said the theft was appalling and has urged anyone who may have spotted any suspicious activity in the area to come forward.

“The honour roll was a solemn reminder of the service of local residents fighting for our nation and it’s appalling to think that nearly 100 years on it’s been stolen in the dead of night,” he said.

A photo of the honour roll prior to the theft.

The theft is believed to have unfolded some time between Sunday night and Monday morning.

“It’s hard to speculate on a motive but maybe someone wanted it as a souvenir or wanted it as scrap metal.

“When our veterans find out I think they will be rightfully upset because the names on there should be respected.”

Records show the honour roll and memorial gate was funded through community donations as a way of commemorating those who had fallen during the First World War.

Police are investigating the theft.

The gate – installed in 1928 – symbolised the passage that locals had taken into the “unknown and unfamiliar world of hardship and danger” in the European battlefields.

Among names recognised on the roll was Lieutenant Norman Dougall who was awarded a Military Cross after bravely leading a counter attack at Louverval in France.

News of the theft has spread among the local community with some taking to social media labelling it a “low act”.

A photo of the honour roll prior to the theft.

Local resident Jack Abadee said he was shocked by the incident.

“At first people didn’t know if it had been removed for restoration works or if it had been stolen,” he said.

“It’s regularly attended on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services and it’s distressing to see a community memorial desecrated in this way.”

The council has referred the matter to Hornsby Police who are now leading an investigation into the incident.

Anyone who has information about the theft is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or contact Hornsby Police Station directly on 9476 9799.