Yes, the weather would seem to be to blame for the erosion, hopefully the Dawlish councillors can spend a little money on refurbishing the War Memorial. They don't seem to have any problems spending thousands on less worthy causes.
A rather misleading headline and as Deedoodle says, it it the weather that is to blame and not what one would expect from the headline, mindless vandalism.
Let's hope something is done about it ASAP so that it is in pristine condition for this years RBL Remembrance Parade on Suday November 13th.