A replacement plaque commemorating the Battle of Arnhem at the John Frost Bridge in Arnhem has been vandalized, just a month after it was installed. The plaque, which was a compilation of photographs of soldiers forming John Frost’s face, was ripped from its stone mounting and discarded nearby.

The original bronze plaque went missing one week before the May 4th remembrance ceremonies honoring World War II dead. The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from city officials, who have filed a formal police complaint.

The John Frost Bridge holds significant historical importance as the site of fierce fighting during Operation Market Garden in 1944. British lieutenant-colonel John Frost led the effort to hold the bridge against heavy German fire for four days. The bridge became known as the “bridge too far” and is a central point in the annual commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem in September.

City official Bob Roelofs expressed his dismay, calling the act “incomprehensible” and stating it showed a “complete lack of respect.” The council is taking the vandalism seriously and hopes to find those responsible.