Stolen bronze plaques replaced in time for Remembrance Day
26 October 2009
Following the theft of six bronze war memorial plaques in early November last year from Philips Park Cemetery, the replacement panels will be unveiled in time for this year’s Remembrance Day.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission with Manchester City Council have worked hard to replace the plaques as quickly as possible and are pleased that they will be in place this week.
The new panels are exact copies of those that were taken, and honour soldiers from the Manchester Regiment, Lancashire Fusiliers and Cheshire Regiment who died in both the First and Second World Wars.
Val Sargeson, UK Area Director for the Commission said: "The Commission has worked hard to have the new panels, made in Australia at a cost of over £10,000, ready in time for the 11th of November. It is vital that the Philips Park Cemetery memorial is restored to its former glory in time for Remembrance Day and that the sacrifice of those who fell continues to be remembered.
The Commission is extremely grateful to Manchester City Council, who recently organised a Make a Difference Day, which saw council staff and local residents tidying up the Cemetery in time for the reinstatement of the panels.
Councillor Jim Battle, Manchester City Council's deputy leader said: "The appalling actions of a minority last November were a clear insult to our city's own war heroes and the strength of public feeling against this crime has, quite rightly, been immense. We have worked hard with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to replace the stolen memorials as quickly as possible, and we are delighted that these will be in place in time for Remembrance Sunday to once again honour all those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom."
For further information, please contact the Commission's Public Relations & Media Manager Ranald Leask on 01628 507204 or 07887 860541 or ranald.leask@cwgc.org or Claire Donelly at Manchester City Council Press Office 0161 234 1010
Issued on behalf of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission with Manchester City Council
