British War Graves Desecrated In Benghazi

Just before I headed off to bed last night I quickly checked Sky News. I was shocked and appalled to see that Second World War Graves in Benghazi, Libya have been vandalised. You can watch the report here on Sky News.

I have checked this morning on the website for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and can not see a post in relation to this, but I am sure than one will be posted in due course. I can not help but wonder whether the headstones will be replaced. Certainly, if they are, there is a further risk of more damage. Furthermore, and more importantly, is it safe to do so? Whatever is decided, these men whose bravery and sacrifice is commemorated here deserves to be remembered in stone.

This isn't a political post. It does though, demonstrate that headstones whilst made of concrete or stone, are in fact fragile and must be preserved.

Further links to the corresponding articles are below-

• Daily Mail Newspaper
• The Guardian Newspaper
• BBC
• Commonwealth War Graves Commission
• Foreign & Commonwealth Office

I was just about to post and had a quick check of the CWGC site and am delighted to say that a post has been made about the damage and a decision taken that the graves will be repaired. Which is excellent news.