A UNION Flag was stolen from the Farnham war memorial on the eve of Remembrance Sunday, in what the town council believe was a deliberate attack on the town’s commemorations.

Farnham Town Council has released a CCTV image of a group of people seen walking through the meadow at the time the flag was stolen, at around 2.30am on Sunday, November 10.

If not themselves the culprits, the council hopes this group may have seen something that could help track down the missing flag.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the town clerk Iain Lynch on 01252 712667 or email [email protected] .

Although the stolen flag was new, a Union Flag does fly above the war memorial all year-round – leading the council to believe the theft was intended to disrupt the town’s Remembrance Day service.

Fortunately, however, the council was able to source a replacement flag in time – and has thanked all those who offered their support.

Just hours after the theft, hundreds of people lined the streets to watch the Mayor of Farnham, the Vice Lord Lieutenant Bill Biddell, the deputy mayor of Waverley and representatives of the armed forces, uniformed services, cadets, scout groups, community organisations and local dignitaries parade from Castle Street to Gostrey Meadow for a short service led by the Rector of Farnham, Reverend David Uffindell.

There, readings were given by the mayor Pat Evans, chairman of the Farnham Royal British Legion Farnham branch Roger Brown, parade marshall Ian Hunter, and Louis Muddle, representing the young people of Farnham.

At 11am The Last Post was played, and the standard was lowered as people paused to observe a two-minute silence. This was followed by the laying of wreaths on the war memorial.

Find a report of last Friday’s school service, and photos on Pages 10 and 11.