Mi Amigo plane crash witness paid his respects to the heroic men who ‘saved his life’ at eight years-old, in his own personal remembrance ceremony.
Tony Foulds, 87, has dedicated the last 70 years of his life to looking after the memorial in Endcliffe Park and all his free time is spent occupying it, telling visitors the remarkable story of the day that changed his life.
Mr Foulds says: “Ten young lads died and I’ve looked after them ever since.
“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for them.
“They looked after me so I’m going to look after them.”
In February 1944, the USAAF B-17 Flying Fortress known as Mi Amigo fell to the ground and went ‘up in flames’ in Endcliffe Park on its return flight from Denmark, as the engine was badly damaged.
The pilot chose to crash land, merely avoiding Mr Foulds and his group of friends, who to this day believe that the soldiers on board ‘made the decision to die’ in order to save
On Wednesday, he organised a separate, quieter remembrance ceremony-with a Trumpet player and much less publicity- to remember the heroic soldiers exactly 79 years on from the day of their death.
He showed his selfless nature, stating that he prefers to ‘have his own time’ to reflect on the events that occurred that day.
His ceremony followed the much larger scale, popular remembrance ceremony which took place in the park last Sunday, with the likes of Journalist Dan Walker in attendance.
Mr Foulds promises that he will continue to preserve and tend to the memorial for the rest of his life.
He says: “When my time comes, there’s a little plot just behind the memorial.
“That’s where I am going to go”.
In 2019, Mr Foulds was awarded a Certificate of Commendation from the US Ambassador and a plaque has been placed outside the Town Hall in the city centre to reward him for his hard work.