Flag may be gone for good, RSA says

File photo / Mark Mitchell

A New Zealand flag stolen from the New Plymouth Cenotaph during Anzac Day commemorations is unlikely to be returned and will have to be replaced, the local Returned and Services Association (RSA) says.

The flag was stolen from its removable wooden pole after the dawn service yesterday - sometime between 6.45am and 9.15am.

The theft has angered many war veterans who see it as an insult to servicemen and their families.

New Plymouth District RSA senior vice president Graeme Lowe told NZPA it was difficult to comprehend why someone would steal the flag.

"It was actually taken off the cenotaph, it really is an act of desecration," he said.

"Especially when we were there honouring people who died underneath that flag. It's also an insult to surviving ex-servicemen plus present serving personnel and the citizens of New Plymouth."

Mr Lowe said most veterans and their families went to the New Plymouth Club for drinks after the dawn service.

At 9.15am, he returned to the cenotaph to ensure everything was in order for the civic service, only to discover the flag was missing.

Police yesterday went door-to-door looking for witnesses or anyone who saw anything suspicious.

A police spokesman today said the door knocking did not turn up any leads and no other witnesses had come forward.

"I'm hoping someone will spill the beans, but I'm not holding my breath," he said.

Mr Lowe said the flag was unlikely to be returned.

"To be quite honest I don't think we'll get our hands on it," he said.

"We've had a look, the police are actively looking, the only thing that's liable to happen is that sooner or later someone will get round to bragging about it and that will give them [the police] a lead."

New Plymouth police came to the rescue yesterday, offering their flag for the civic service.

Mr Lowe said the RSA would have to replace its flag as it was used in a number of ceremonial occasions.

"Mind you ... I'd love to get it back. If they want to return it anonymously, that's ok by me," he said.

- NZPA