Vandalised headstones replaced by CWGC

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has quickly replaced the headstones of six World War casualties after they were cruelly destroyed three weeks ago. Vandals smashed the headstones to pieces in Shipley, West Yorkshire in the run up to the D-Day 75 commemorations.

Within days of the damage taking place, CWGC's stonemasons in France had engraved replacements at our headstone production unit in Beaurains. These were installed and unveiled today (Friday 28 June) at Hirst Wood Burial Ground in the presence of one of the war casualties’ descendants.

Among the desecrated graves was that of Sergeant Bilsborough. On Friday his niece and nephew were invited to meet the CWGC team who quickly restored their uncle's resting place to a state befitting his sacrifice.

The replacement headstones were all made of the distinctive white Portland stone that has become synonymous with the work of CWGC. The Commission will continue to maintain them today, tomorrow and forever.

Andy Stillman, CWGC's UK operations manager, said: “When these war graves were smashed by vandals they weren’t just destroying a piece of stone – they were showing complete disrespect for the people buried there and what they did for their country.

Each CWGC headstone represents the life of someone we have promised to never forget. Though we were appalled to learn about the damage that took place in Shipley we are pleased to have been able to right this wrong so quickly.

The huge outpouring of support we received in the wake of this senseless act has proved just how much the public continues to value the memory of the men and women of the wartime generations.

It was an honour for our staff to meet the relatives of Sergeant Bilsborough, one of those whose graves was sadly desecrated, to show that we here at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission will never forget these men."

Julie Watson, niece of Sgt Bilsborough, said: "I was horrified to see what had been done to my uncle's grave and to think that someone would destroy the headstone of someone who died in the war. But through all that negativity I’ve been so impressed by the professionalism and respect which everyone has shown in trying to fix this, including the police for investigating and the press for their careful coverage. I’m grateful to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for acting with care and so quickly to restore my uncle’s grave and give us as a family somewhere to continue to pay our respects.”

The replacement headstones were engraved at the CWGC’s workshop in Beaurains. This week HRH The Princess Royal unveiled a new visitor centre at the site – The CWGC Experience – which gives a unique behind-the-scenes look at our continuing work.

In all, six war graves from the First and Second World Wars were damaged at the start of June. They were for: Sergeant Peter Bilsborough, Leading Aircraftman Frank Whittaker, Captain A Crossley, Gunner Henry Hardy, Driver Arthur Sheard and Sapper J Stephenson.

They were all replaced like for like, including five headstones and one pedestal marker which is laid flat and often used in the UK when it’s not possible to install a solid foundation. Another two war graves maintained by CWGC within the same burial ground were unaffected.

Across the UK the CWGC looks after 170,000 war graves. These are often less visited than those buried in the battlefield cemeteries abroad and the Commission has been encouraging the public to search out those near to where they live and share their stories of remembrance on social media with #RememberedHere.

You can find the war dead buried near where you live by entering your postcode here.