The vandalised memorial stone in a Doncaster park. [Pic: Heather Allsworth]
In April 1943, Canadian airman Flt Sgt John Fraser was allowed special leave for one day from training for the Dams Raid in order to get married. His wife Doris came from Doncaster, and they had met while John was stationed at nearby RAF Finningley.
More than sixty years later, in July 2003, to honour of John and Doris Fraser, Doncaster Council decided to instal a bronze plaque in a local park, next to a tree which was planted in his memory by a group of people including Doris Fraser, her daughter Shere and two of the Fraser grandchildren. Representatives of the current 617 Squadron were also present to honour one of the squadron’s founder members.
Yesterday, Shere Fraser revisited the park and found, to her horror, that the plaque had been wrenched from the memorial stone and removed, presumably for a few pounds worth of scrap metal. Local police and local press have been informed, and if anyone has any further information they are asked to contact the authorities.
Below: the plaque photographed at the time of its installation.
Dambusters Blog 
I doubt it would be for sale as scrap metal. I reckon this was targetted as it would fetch a high price in memorabilia collectors’ circles.
Scum of the earth
Disgraceful! What a world we live in these days! I live in Australia and a few Anzac memorials were defaced last month, the day before Anzac day. What is the good of people that do these things I will say no more!
VERMIN !!!!!
This lady must be sick and tired of the behaviour of people in this Country.
Sad, but unfortunately unsurprising *sigh* 😦
It’s not just in Doncaster you have a problem with, I posted this on The Tom Wilkinson VC statue appeal page.
THE TOM WILKINSON VC STATUE APPEAL
I am very sad and angry to announce that the fourth lot of English Oak tree saplings that I have purchased have been destroyed in Victoria Park Widnes. EIGHT saplings have been destroyed since the beginning of March.
These saplings are dedicated to Act. Lt. Tom Wilkinson VC and Sgt. Tom Mottershead VC DCM, both men paid the ultimate price fighting for our country.
Instead of these saplings growing strong this summer, they are now on the compost heap.
Replacements cannot be replaced before November. They WILL be replaced, the morons responsible will not dictate whether I will honour these men or not. They are actually a War Memorial.
If anyone wishes to help get a statue for Tom Wilkinson VC
you can donate through PayPal, our web page PayPal link and Just giving. Details below. Thank you
http://www.thetomwilkinsonvcstatueappeal.co.uk
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tony-miller-5
You can also donate by sending a cheque (NOT CASH) made out to
The Tom Wilkinson VC statue appeal.
And send it to
Tony Miller 27 Godstow, Sandymoor, Runcorn, WA7 1UE
https://en-gb.facebook.com/The-Tom-Wilkinson-statue-appeal…/
http://www.thetomwilkinsonvcstatueappeal.co.uk
I am from Doncaster but am now ashamed to admit it. There was a time when these cowardly mindless cretins would not have been tolerated in society. Sadly this is no longer the case.