Thieves steal bronze WWI plaques from Loch Memorial Reserve weeks before Anzac Day

Heartless crooks have stolen two bronze World War I plaques from a memorial reserve in South Gippsland, just weeks before Anzac Day.

The South Gippsland community are disgusted after thieves stole two plaques from the Loch Memorial Reserve earlier this week. Picture: Facebook/Frank Springer

Heartless thieves have desecrated a World War I memorial in the state’s east just weeks before Anzac Day.

Two large bronze plaques from the Loch Memorial Reserve in South Gippsland were stolen from the stone pillars at the entrance early Monday.

Korumburra RSL sub-branch vice president Tony Moon said the reserve was established more than 100 years ago, as a way of commemorating servicemen from Loch who served in the war, including those who did not return.

Mr Moon said locals were furious with the targeted attack, especially with Anzac Day fast approaching.

The plaques were removed by thieves from the Loch Memorial Reserve’s pillars early Monday morning. Picture: Facebook/Frank Springer

“It’s incredibly disrespectful to the entire community, there’s a lot of rage and anger out there — they just want their plaques back, as they should,” Mr Moon said.

“I suspect it (the theft) was motivated through greed — we don’t really know — I suspect it was to take those and sell them off to a scrap metal merchant.

“The memorial plaques were displayed on the main entrance gates, and for decades were a focal point for the town’s commemorative services.”

Mr Moon said the stolen plaques had 50 names of locals who served in World War I, with 13 of those soldiers paying the ultimate sacrifice.

The Loch Memorial Reserve Roll of Honour plaque featured the names of the Gane brothers who were killed in action. listed. Picture: Supplied

“Ultimately, we’re crossing our fingers and hoping the plaques get found and returned to where they need to be.

“In many respects, these memorials and these cenotaphs were the only physical reminder of these people’s existence.

“Many of the guys who were killed have no known grave, so these plaques and memorials were a de facto headstone for the families involved — so that’s why they’re really important.”

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Mr Moon said if the plaques were given to a scrap metal merchant, he hoped they realise it was unusual to receive such sentimental valued pieces.

“This is not just scrap metal,” he said.

Sergeant George William Albert Gane died in 1917. Picture: Supplied

Private Claude Gane died in 1918. Picture: Supplied

Mr Moon said Loch brothers Sergeant George William Albert Gane and Private Claude Gane, both born in Mount Doran, had their names listed on one of the stolen plaques.

Sgt George was killed in action in February 1917 and Claude died from his wounds in October 1918.

RSL Victoria was contacted for comment.