Five flags were torn down from the tribute to the 36,000 soldiers who were taken as prisoners during conflicts. 

Memorial trustee Ray Mende, a Vietnam War veteran, said the attack was devastating and disrespectful.

“People come to the memorial from all over Australia – especially as they may not have a place where their relative or loved one was buried,” he said. 

Mr Mende said the internal parts of the poles were accessed and damaged to pull the flags down and tear them off their ropes. 

He said they had located the Prisoners of War flag and the Australian flag in the vicinity, but the other three were gone. 

“It’s a memorial of national significance. It’s not just a Ballarat thing. We’re lucky to have this here in Ballarat,” he said.

He said visitors from around the country came to the memorial every 

day.

“While I was up there on Wednesday morning a few groups came, and I had to explain to them why there were no flags.

“They were all very shocked. It’s normally well respected.

“We have services there each February. This year 700 people attended from around Australia – paying respect to their loved ones.

“We should respect these servicemen – they were captured and brutally treated, with only few surviving.” 

Mr Mende said it would be expensive to source new flags, repair the flag poles and install new ropes. 

“The trustees, we’re just volunteers. We do it for the sake of the fellas on the wall. It makes no sense people would do this.” 

Ballarat police are investigating the matter. 

Anyone with any information should contact uniform members of the Ballarat police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

nicole.cairns@fairfaxmedia.com.au