Thieves steal Arnhem War Hero’s statue from display on VE Day

“Why would anyone take this?” questioned Jon Davidson after thieves pulled up in a car outside their house in Lockeridge on Friday between mid-day and 1pm, grabbed the statue of John’s grandfather that commemorated the role he played in ‘Operation Market Garden’ at Arnhem in WWII, and drove off quickly.

“My son Joshua (10) and I put a VE Day display together outside our house on Friday to celebrate and commemorate VE Day.” said Jon.

“His school, Kennet Valley Primary School, encouraged people to send in pictures of what they had done and this was our picture (top pic – ed). I did think twice about putting things that are so personally valuable outside but I thought with the current lockdown situation and spirit everyone is showing and the fact it was the 75^th anniversary, that we should do something special to remember his great grandad and the sacrifices his generation made.” he added

“I was hoping to pass the statue on to my children when they grow older.  It probably means nothing to the person or people that took it but it means a lot to my family” stated Jon, adding “We would obviously like it back, they know where we live if they read this and decide to return it.

It’s something my family are very committed to with both grandads serving throughout World War II.  My late grandfather, Corporal John Davidson who passed away in 2013, was captured after nine days of fighting in Arnhem when the contingent that was left in Oosterbeek were ordered to retreat over the river and the Germans over-ran his position.  He was captured the same day my father was born.  His wife didn’t know he had been captured and spent months not knowing until word was passed on via radio that he was a POW.  They were treated very badly and he spent a year rehabilitating after VE Day.”

If anyone has information regarding this theft they can contact the Police on 101 mentioning the crime ref no. 54200043939.

Alternatively, if you know where it is, just drop in back to the place from where it was taken in Audley Down, Lockeridge.