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Anguish as war graves are targeted

One of the damaged headstones. Picture: JOHN WARDLEY
One of the damaged headstones. Picture: JOHN WARDLEY

SICKENED war veterans in a Kent town have vowed to enforce the message of human sacrifice in conflict by face-to-face contact with schoolchildren.

Their campaign follows an attack on war graves in Sittingbourne cemetery by a graffiti yob who scrawled 'Hitler’, and ' forget the war it’s over’ on tombstones of servicemen killed during the Second World War.

The vandalism took place just before Christmas. Now Fred Langworthy, chairman of the Sittingbourne branch of the Royal British Legion, says members are determined to make youngsters aware of human loss in war.

He said: “We do go into schools before Remembrance and the children enjoy it but there are obviously one or two who are failing to get the message. They don’t understand the anguish and grief they cause and I’m sure a lot of it is lack of information. They don’t know about Hitler and what he did and if these people listened to some of my members they would soon change their tune.”

Sittingbourne RBL vice chairman Bob Apps suggested more pupil contact, and Mr Langworthy is keen to step up Legion input in schools.

Swale Borough Council has already sent a cleaning squad to the site.

Swale Police are seeking information about the incident. Contact them on 01795 477055 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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