An Australian flagpole has been cut down and a memorial sprayed with blue paint at Harefield churchyard, a First World War cemetery near London that holds the graves of more than 100 Australian soldiers. The vandalism occurred just days before Anzac Day commemorations.
UK High Commissioner Alexander Downer expressed disappointment over the attack but urged Australians to continue with their Anzac Day plans. “While we are not sure of the motivation of this vandalism the report is very disappointing. Australians should continue with their plans for Anzac Day,” he said.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) said the damage was upsetting, especially after painstaking restoration of the 112 headstones earlier this year. Repairs to the flagpole and cleaning works are underway, and the Anzac Day service at Harefield on Saturday will proceed as planned.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns after a 14-year-old British boy was charged with encouraging a terrorist attack in Australia. Scotland Yard has urged the public to remain vigilant at Anzac Day events and the London marathon this weekend, though no specific threat has been identified in the UK.
Harefield House served as No 1 Australian Auxiliary Hospital during the First World War, treating 50,000 patients. Among the 112 Australians buried there is army nurse Ruby Dickinson, the only woman in the cemetery. Each Anzac Day, locals gather to pay tribute, with children laying flowers on the graves.
