Vandals deface graves of war veterans with swastikas
Police are hunting for the heartless vandals responsible for defacing almost a third of the graves at a NSW war cemetery with swastikas.
Nine marble headstones were targeted at the Nowra War Cemetery, along with the words “die Jews” scribbled in white marker on the pavement.
The despicable act was described by the local RSL as “unforgivable”.
"To have it desecrated is just... disgusts me and to why an individual would want to do that to veterans who gave their lives and gave them the freedom that they enjoy today,” Nowra RSL Sub-Branch secretary Rick Meehan told 7 News.
The graffiti was removed from the gravestones on Wednesday morning, with police shifting their focus on finding the culprits.
"I'm happy to speak to those persons if they come forward and explain their actions and what it means to this community and what it means for veterans in whole who've lost their lives,” Mr Meehan said.
One of the targets of the attack was Cyril Wattie Jackson, the first veteran to be buried at the Nowra cemetery.
Another was a promising young tennis player from Queensland, his life tragically cut short on a practice run in a military aircraft. He was just 23 years old.
Minister for Veterans Affairs David Elliot said the memorial was a “sacred” place that should be respected within the community.
"Anybody that's served in our forces or have family that served in our forces has much higher respect for war memorials. War memorials are sacred places,” he said.
"It's not something that that the police should forced to guard, it's not something that communities should be forced to defend."
Police believe the vandalism could have occurred any time in the last week.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
