Australia's veterans say they feel disrespected by the theft of a bronze honour roll commemorating the service of local residents during World War I.
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Ku-ring-gai Council, in Sydney's north, has called in police to investigate the late-night disappearance from a local park.
The 2m-high bronze plate missing from the gate of Turramurra Memorial Park listed the names of 67 residents, including seven who died in battle.
With no CCTV footage capturing the incident, the council has no idea who stole the plaque, or what prompted them to commit the crime.
RSL NSW president Mick Bainbridge said he was "deeply disappointed" by the theft, stating any attempt to flip the honour roll for profit would deepen the hurt caused.
"This act of vandalism disrespects the memory of those who served our country, their families and the community that continues to honour their sacrifice," he said.
"It highlights the need for education to build awareness of the historical significance of war memorials and the values they represent."
NSW Police confirmed they were called to the park on Monday after receiving a report of malicious damage.
Local officers were investigating and anyone with information was urged to come forward, police said.
Mayor Sam Ngai said his community was speculating those responsible might try and sell the bronze, or the theft could be a prank.
Either way, he suggested replacing the honour roll could cost council "tens of thousands" of dollars.
"It's not just the metal, it's actually putting all the names back on in the original form, so that we can respect those who have made the ultimate sacrifice," he told Sydney 2GB radio.
"It's pretty disappointing to hear and I'm just asking whoever did it, please just return it."
The memorial was opened in 1928 by then-NSW governor Dudley de Chair and was funded through community donations.
"It provided an ongoing and solemn reminder of the service of local residents fighting for our nation on faraway battlefields," Mr Ngai said.
"It is appalling to think that, nearly 100 years on, the roll has been stolen in the dead of night."
Among the 67 local residents listed on the plaque was Lieutenant Norman Dougall, who won a Military Cross for leading a counter-attack in France in 1917.
He died three weeks after his heroic actions.
Australian Associated Press
