Two planes are set to fly over Endliffe Park next week – including an emotional flyover from the US Air Force – to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Mi Amigo crash.
The tribute will take place on Thursday, February 22, at around 11am and will involve two F-15Es from the 492nd Fighter Squadron. subject to operational commitments, passing over the park.
On that date in 1944, a heavily damaged American Bomber plane known as ‘Mi Amigo’ tragically crash landed killing everyone on board.
Whilst attempting an emergency landing in Endcliffe park, the pilot, Lt John Kriegshauser manoeuvred his plane to miss the children nearby who were playing in the park.
One of those children was 88-year old Tony Foulds, who has spent the rest of his life paying tribute to the fallen soldiers of the ‘Mi Amigo’ tragedy.
Mr Foulds can often be found cleaning and tidying up the tribute which was placed in Endcliffe Park, as he travels multiple times a week via bus to pay his respects.
Planning and Asset Manager, Joe Hopkins, 27, said: “Tony cleaning up the memorial is always emotional especially to see just how much it means to him.”
When asked about the importance of the memorial in Endcliffe Park Mr Hopkins said: “Even 80 years after the crash the tribute is still a significant part of the city.”
Journalist and TV presenter Dan Walker helped the campaign to get Mr Foulds the flyover for the anniversary of the crash.
Dan Walker met Mr Foulds whilst walking his dog in Endcliffe Park where he expressed his dream of a fly-past to honour the tragedy for the 75th anniversary.
Dan Walker used his large social media following as well as contacting the US Embassy and RAF Lakenheath to make this dream come true.
Within a few days Mr Foulds story had gone viral and the hashtag #GetTonyAFlyPast was trending on Twitter and less than a fortnight later, the flyover was confirmed.
Mr Walker has received lots of praise online for helping Tony and getting his message out their to the world.
This has helped give Tony a platform, as people keep up to date with him through a Facebook page amassing over 3,000 followers with some people commenting saying he should be considered for an award.
Mr Hopkins said: “The anniversary itself is really special but the flyover will be great to witness and I cant wait to see it.”
Mr Hopkins who attended the flyover for the 75th anniversary said: “It is one of the most heart-warming tributes you will see.”
