Numerous gravestones were found smashed in a cemetery in the run-up to D-Day, following what has been described as the “callous thoughtlessness” of vandals. Those damaged were six gravestones provided to the Hirst Wood burial ground in Shipley, Bradford, by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which commemorate figures from the First and Second World Wars. Among the graves damaged was that of Arthur Sheard, who was buried with his four-year-old daughter, who died just two days after him. Sad to report that a number of gravestones in Hirst Wood Cemetery have been smashed. We are deeply upset that someone has shown such a complete lack of respect on the 75th anniversary of D-Day Commonwealth War Graves CommissionOne woman who walks through the graveyard regularly, but did not wish to be named, said the incident was “shocking”.

Source: Irish Independent June 07, 2019 10:07 UTC