Cadets hit by theft of ceremonial flag

A ceremonial flag used by the military in Shropshire for decades has been stolen just hours after it was raised in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The Union flag was hoisted outside the Shropshire Cadet Corps building in Noble Street, Wem on Friday. But Detachment Commander William Farrell discovered it had been taken the following morning.

He was driving past on his way to help out at the town's Jubilee parade when he discovered the theft.

The flag had been loaned to the cadets from Copthorne Barracks and is used at annual camps, visits from the High Sheriff and trophy presentations.

Cadets said they were 'disgusted' at the theft. Army officials said the flag had great sentimental and historical value.

Sergeant Shanade McTaggart from the Wem Detachment of Shropshire Army Cadet Force said: "The council wanted the Cadet Force to be part of the community events so we raised the flag on Friday afternoon. It would have been taken down next Monday.

"But by Saturday the flag, weight and chain had all gone, everything. We are very annoyed. There is a general sense of disgust."

Sgt McTaggart added: "The flag has such sentimental value we want to get it back more than anything. Even if it is just handed in, if someone did it when they were drunk and realised in the morning we just want them to hand it in anonymously."

Army Cadet Force spokesman Major Chris Budryk said it was a flag you 'can't buy in the shops'.

Richard Ewels, spokesman for West Mercia Police, said the flag had been reported stolen between 4pm on Friday and 8.45am on Saturday.

He said: "If anyone has any information about the flag they are urged to contact Wem police on the non emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."