MILITARY history enthusiasts have been left devastated after finding the Brierley Hill grave honouring Zulu war hero Anthony Booth has been damaged.

The grand grave site of the brave Victoria Cross winner, who served with the South Staffordshire Regiment, was found wrecked on Tuesday in St Michael's Churchyard.

Military history fan Jonathan Graham, from Aberdeen, discovered the damage when he visited the churchyard to pay his respects to the retired Army Colour-Sergeant who was awarded the UK's highest honour for gallantry for his brave actions in South Africa while serving in the Zulu war of 1879.

The Victoria Cross Trust has been notified of the damage, which is thought to have been caused deliberately, and has already put in motion efforts to see the grave restored it to its former glory.

Gary Stapleton, chairman of the Doncaster based VC Trust, said: "We found out about it at 10pm on Tuesday and we were here at 9am on Wednesday to ascertain what the damage was.

"We're going to put a plan together with our mason. We've spoken to the church - we just need approval from the archbishop."

He said it was difficult to say how much restoring the damage would cost but it would run into "a four figure sum".

Mr Stapleton said more needs to be done to preserve the grave sites of courageous VC winners from attacks by vandals and he added: "Until as a nation we recognise these are men of historical, national importance and we start caring for these graves properly - how can we expect the next generation to treat them with respect?"

Booth, who received the VC on June 26 1880 at Windsor Castle from Queen Victoria, was awarded the honour for his bravery on March 12 1879 when a large group of Zulus launched an attack on the British on the Intombe River. Having covered the retreat of 50 soldiers and others for three miles - his actions saved the lives of all involved.

After retiring from the Army, he settled in Brierley Hill which was part of Staffordshire county then.

He died at his home in William Street on December 8 1899 and was buried in the graveyard of St Michael’s Church – close to the grave of his father.

Dudley South MP Mike Wood was horrified to hear of the damage to Booth's grave and said on Twitter those responsible were "not fit to lick his boots".