Crediton farmer Roger Pennington donated the tree, a four-feet tall Red Acer, to the Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface.
He planted it on his land next to the Rotary planter on the A377 at the bottom of Queen Elizabeth Drive on the entrance to the town during the afternoon of Wednesday, May 18.
Roger, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface, explained: “I spent an hour digging the hole and filling it with compost before planting the tree on my bank adjoining the council-owned visibility splay close to where the Rotary planter is located.
“I planted it between two previously planted English Walnut trees on the Wednesday afternoon.
“We believed that the Red Acer between the two English Walnut trees would make a nice entrance to Crediton.
“It was a nice tree.
“We even planned to landscape the area to make the entrance to the town look more welcoming.
“I was disappointed when I drove by at about 1pm the next day (Thursday, May 19) to see that the tree had been taken.
“It looks like it has just been pulled out and it is pretty obvious that it has been stolen.”
Fellow Rotarian Paul Fallon expressed his anger at the theft.
He said: “What a disgraceful act, especially as it was planted to remember our wonderful Queen’s achievement.”
Police have been informed of the theft.
Did you see who stole the tree at the entrance to Crediton near Queen Elizabeth Drive between 5pm on Wednesday, May 18 and 1pm on Thursday, May 19?
The suspect would have needed to walk along the verge for some distance to reach the location.
Can you describe the suspect or did you see a vehicle?
If you can help the police with their enquiries, please telephone 101.
Alternatively, email: [email protected] .