Vandalism and the Army The sentences passed on the four
young artillery officers who deliberately drove over to Stonehenge and permanently defaced it seem incomprehensibly light. It was not a simple drunken frolic ; the mischief was elaborate, and carried out with considerable skill and care. That the culprits made a clean breast of it is about the sole thing that can be said in mitigation. They belonged to what prides itself on being one of the two most highly educated branches of the Army ; and they did a thing which at this time of day it should be inconceivable for any educated man, or any gentleman, to do. Stonehenge is a rare national treasure, unique among the country's possessions. Fines of £2 each, with a total of less than £20 for damages and costs are not calculated to convey to delinquents of that class the correction of which they stood in need. The solicitor defending them urged the magistrates not to do anything which would impair their future as officers. But why should it not be impaired ? One of the duties of an officer on service is to restrain his men from acts of gross vandalism. The honour of a civilised Army depends on it. Men who offend so at home cannot safely be entrusted with that honour abroad.
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