Page 35 - Cadet Review Summer 2019

Air Cadets help Sheffield wartime school boy fulfil lifetime dream to honour american aircrew
During February Royal Air Force Air Cadets took part in a ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of a World War Two American B-17 bomber which crashed in Sheffield. Both United States Air Force and Royal Air Force aircraft took part in a flypast which was broadcast live by BBC Breakfast to an audience of millions.
The ceremony was organised after a social media campaign by BBC presenter Dan Walker, who met Tony Foulds, an eyewitness to the crash in 1944, by chance as he was maintaining the memorial. Tony has been the guardian of the memorial in Endcliffe park for nearly 75 years.
The aircraft known as “Mi Amigo” was returning from a bombing raid when it was badly damaged by
Seeing the flypast of military aircraft was a fitting tribute
enemy action over Denmark. Tony who was eight at the time was playing with other school children in Endcliffe park as the aircraft attempted a forced landing. The crew who avoided the playing school children, overflew them and crashed into the hill behind killing all ten of the crew. The pilot Lt John Kriegshauser was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions.
Nearly 70 Cadets and Staff from across the Wing attended the ceremony and formed a guard of honour for Tony, veterans and various local dignitaries.
Cadet Sergeant Lewis Taylor (age 15) of 366 (King Ecgbert) Squadron commented “Today was a truly memorable day which forms a part of Sheffield’s history. It was fantastic to welcome those from
the United States to pay tribute to the remarkable aircrew who sacrificed their lives during World War Two. Seeing the flypast of military aircraft was a fitting tribute to those who died and I’m incredibly proud to have taken part.”
Cadet Sergeant Robin Gibbons (age 17) from 367 (South Sheffield) Squadron also commented “I was touched to be part of the ceremony to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. With myself and the other cadets being from Sheffield it was really special to see Tony’s dedication to the memorial.”
Wing Commander Brian Daniel said “It was fantastic to see all our young people turning up to honour those who we owe a great debt of gratitude to. The cadets who all looked exceedingly smart did both ourselves and our parent organisation, the Royal Air Force proud.”
CADET REVIEW SUMMER 2019 35