RAF veteran ‘disgusted’ as Evesham War Memorial vandalised

The memorial at Abbey Park has been covered in graffiti.

Peter Stewart, 84, discovered the vandalism when he and other veterans visited the park on Monday (May 8) to mark Victory in Europe Day.

“As a veteran I am disgusted at this desecration of our  War Memorial as were all those present,” He said.

“A marker pen has been used and it will need the services of a professional to restore.

“I will add that graffiti is appearing elsewhere in Evesham at an alarming rate.”

Mr Stewart added: “Up until this latest graffiti episode the memorial has remained clean and tidy.

“What is frustrating is that there is a camera situated alongside the memorial, but this would not have recorded the damaged on the inside of the wall.

“Much has been spent on the memorial these past few years, including the lighting, and

now more to be spent on cleaning off this new graffiti. 

“Whoever put it there should be ashamed of themselves.”

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Some of the graffiti at Abbey Park (Image: Peter Stewart)

A spokesperson for the Royal British Legion added: “The Royal British Legion is saddened to hear of the damage to the War Memorial in Abbey Park.

“War memorials and graves honour the memory of every member of the Armed Forces who has made the ultimate sacrifice and deserve to be treated with the utmost respect.”

Mr Stewart comes from a long line of servicemen.

His grandfather served a total of 36 years and during the First World War was in action at Gallipoli and the Defence of Antwerp. Then as part of the

British Expeditionary Force in France was gunned down but survived as a prisoner of war.

Meanwhile, Mr Stewart’s father served 23 years as did his son.

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Mr Stewart is disgusted by the vandalism (Image: Peter Stewart)

Mr Stewart himself joined the Royal Air Force on June 9, 1955.

His career saw him travel across the world, working in countries such as Cyprus, Malaya and Borneo.

After leaving the RAF he worked as a keeper at Birdland in Bourton and as a manager at the Woolworths in Evesham.

With such connections to the area and a strong interest in churchyards and memorials, the vandalism at Abbey Park has hit Mr Stewart deeply.

He added: “We have all lost friends and I feel it is important that we do not forget them.

“I personally feel I know everyone listed on our local memorials.”

More graffiti on the Evesham War Memorial (Image: Peter Stewart)

Evesham Town Council and West Mercia Police have been contacted for further information.