Nazi memorabilia stolen from Thetford memorial museum

The items linked to the Third Reich were stolen from the Desert Rats Museum, in Thetford Forest.

The thieves appeared to deliberately target the far right mementos from the Second World War, leaving behind more expensive items linked to the Allies.

A large quantity of German Second World War memorabilia was taken (Image: The Desert Rats Museum)

Staff at the museum believe the gang may have previously posed as visitors to 'stake out' the site -  based in a Nissen hut in High Ash, Ickburgh, where the Desert Rats trained during the Second World War.

The thieves cut through a wire fence then used a crowbar to break into the museum, some time overnight on Friday and Saturday.

They ransacked the building, pulling open cupboards, cracking locks and smashing glass, damaging a number of displays.

Staff at the museum believe the gang may have previously 'staked out' the site​(Image: The Desert Rats Museum)

Various displays were damaged during the raid (Image: The Desert Rats Museum)

Among the items stolen were SS knives and badges, as well as a display case of SS medals and a baton that belonged to Erwin Rommel - the German general who fought against the Desert Rats in North Africa.

A German helmet, a gas mask, a model of a German tank and a display canon were also taken in the raid.

Along with the damage, staff also discovered a handwritten note next to a mannequin display of terrorist-style fighters, with a modern British soldier pointing a gun towards them.
It said “ISIS fighting the British”, with the word “temporary” beneath.

Glass was smashed and locks were cracked open (Image: The Desert Rats Museum)

Cupboards and drawers were pulled open (Image: The Desert Rats Museum)

The cost of the damage and stolen items was up to £20,000 (Image: The Desert Rats Museum)

Paul Smith, the museum manager, said the cost of the damage and stolen items was up to £20,000.

"I'm devastated. It's hit me pretty hard. I've put my heart and soul into this place.

"I don't know why they targeted the Nazi memorabilia. They seem to have left the British material alone.

"I don't know what's going on in the world. It seems like all you hear about today is far right ideology".

A display case of SS Second World War medals was stolen (Image: The Desert Rats Museum)

SS badges were taken in the raid (Image: The Desert Rats Museum)

He added: “Obviously, it’s the German stuff that’s highly collectable, with Rommel being a famous general.

"It seems like they knew exactly what they were after."

He said he believed the incident was carried out by "someone who knew the museum" and "knew where to find things".

The museum is also a memorial to those who served in North Africa as well as forming part of the invasion force for D-Day in France.