A stonemason from Wendron has offered to replace a Falmouth war hero’s memorial stone after hearing of his family’s plight.

Douglas Wearne, of F Wearne & Son, made contact after reading about the theft of the stone honouring St Nazaire hero Johnny Johnson in the Packet.

He has offered to make, letter, supply and fix a new granite cremation tablet free of charge, if the stone is not found.

The previous stone is thought to have been taken from Falmouth Cemetery between August 15 – the anniversary of Mr Johnson’s death in 2001 – and August 23, although it was only discovered missing a fortnight ago.

The theft has left his five children, not to mention his 89-year-old widow, extremely distressed.

Mr Wearne said he decided to come forward after learning of the assault on the war hero’s memory.

He said: “I don’t understand why or who would do something like this.”

He described his act of generosity as simply “community spirit,” adding: “I’m a Cornishman and lived here all my life. I get my work from the community and you want to put something back.

“We’re a family business and that’s what it’s all about.”

The stonemasons is based at Higher Tremenheere in Wendron, where coincidentally one of Mr Johnson’s grandsons, Paul Murray, is manager of Wendron Football Club.

Mr Wearne’s offer has left Mr Johnson’s family overwhelmed. His youngest son David said: “I’m just blown away by it. That’s really kind of them. There are some nice people out there. It’s just amazing, the generosity.”

He added that the five children had discussed each putting money in and replacing it together.

The family has received a huge amount of support and backing following the theft revelations.

The St Nazaire Society and the Commandos Veterans’ Association have also offered to help with funds, while one Packet reader, writing at thepacket.co.uk, said they would be “more than happy” to put up a £200 cash reward for information leading to the recovery of the memorial stone.

Johnny Johnson was with 5 Commandos in the 1942 raid, when the destroyer HMS Campbeltown left Falmouth, packed with explosives, on a mission to destroy the dry docks at St Nazaire.

It proved successful and is credited with helping change the course of the Second World War, but at a cost of 168 lives.

Mr Johnson – christened William John but known as Johnny throughout his life – was captured as a prisoner of war, before returning to his wife Jean after hope was seemingly lost.

Anyone with information about the theft of the stone should call police on 101, quoting crime reference CR103450/14.