Over 50 graves were desecrated by vandals. Read the story and see a video of the event on the couriermail.com.au website. Here is an excerpt:
THEY were 50 Australian men who left their lives at home to make the ultimate sacrifice on the war fields.
Now, almost 70 years later, their families and ancestors have been delivered the brutal message that their final resting place has been desecrated.
Four Queenslanders are buried in the Benghazi War Cemetery – Sergeant Vincent McQuillan, Private Kelvin Croker, Corporal Harry Freeman and Flying Officer Ronald Harvey Peet Tucker – and each of their graves has been smashed in an attack along with 46 others belonging to Australians.
At least one of the 50 men fought in both World War I and World War II. Others were farmers, journalists, labourers, public servants and doctors before they enlisted to fight for their country.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard yesterday said the news was distressing but the graves would be restored.