CALLOUS vandals have caused damage to a Steeple Morden war grave . Plants have been taken from beds which are part of the Steeple Morden War Memorial. The beds are the final resting place of the ashes of Lieutenant Bing Price, an American airman who wa

CALLOUS vandals have caused damage to a Steeple Morden "war grave".

Plants have been taken from beds which are part of the Steeple Morden War Memorial.

The beds are the final resting place of the ashes of Lieutenant Bing Price, an American airman who was stationed at the Steeple Morden airbase during the Second World War.

David Crow, from the Mordens branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "This is a very sad state of affairs. I don't think the people who committed this act of vandalism realised the significance of these flower beds.

"They have stolen plants from what is essentially a war grave, it's despicable," he said.

Lt Price, who was a distinguished fighter pilot, stayed in England after the war. He was involved in designing and building the Steeple Morden memorial.

Mr Crow said: "Bing worked in the design department at General Motors, and got his team to come up with the plans for the memorial. He always held this place in great affection.

"When he retired he moved back to America, and after he died his ashes were flown over and scattered on the flower beds.

"His widow initially used to send us a cheque for the upkeep of the plants, but in recent years the Royal British Legion has taken it over," he said.

Intruders have also been clambering on the war memorial, with a number of footprints having been discovered on top of the structure.

Mr Crow said: "It's very dangerous. If they fell off they could be killed.

"We've never had a problem with vandalism before, but this is a sad reflection on this country to our American friends.