A very balanced and sensitive approach to a delicate subject. I have to be honest when i first saw the program about this i was uncomfortable with the main character, something about the whole dedication to "my memorial" did not sit well, also as a frequenter of the park for many a year never saw or heard of the memorial until recently. The most disturbing part for me is that according to his statement the plane circled 3 times in all. Considering that they would have known Norton airport was close they could have easily got there, and the space need to circle on of those planes would have taken them out into the countryside with plenty of open spaces to try and land.
No matter how long he has been attending it does not matter. Those airmen still died during an awful war and deserve to be remembered. Whether it’s a lifetime or a couple of weeks; tending to a memorial is important. The family of those airmen and the airmen themselves deserve a memorial and a chance to properly reflect
I have lived at Hunters Bar for 40 years and regularly walk i Endcliffe Park. My Mother and l discovered the memorial by accident while walking in the park. We knew nothing at all of the crash but thought the memorial was a rather poor tribute to 10 courageous men. It was just a stone with the two plaques on and faded wreaths from the last service. This was the case for many years until about 18 months/ two years ago when a few flowers had been planted. When l first heard about this man who had been tending the memorial for over 70 yesrs, my first reaction was "he has not". I am really pleased that at last the memorial looks like a memorial and as though someone cares but i think that it should have all been about the crew. Not people giving gifts to Mr Foulds and Marks & Spencet supplying clothing for him to go London to collect an award. Dan Walker (who should have done a bit of research) before opening a can of worms is actually the man responsible for getting the fly past but he gets no recognition for his part. If Mr Foulds had said that he had been attending the site for about 2 years, l would be applauding him. If he had not accepted gifts & said thank you but it's not about me, again l would have applauded him. But the fact that he appears to be enjoying his fame and all the gifts does not sit comfortably with quite a few people. What can be done now l do not know. This has gone world wide and relatives of the crew have been lead to believe that someone has been looking after their dead relatives' memorial for many years, l understand that some have even sent him gifts, but l do know that there are many people not happy about the situation.
Thank you for commenting. I've privately heard a few similar stories from similar people in the area since the story started to come out and the video was made, but very few want to speak out after seeing some of the abuse people asking questions have received.
@@DeejayoneUkHub l will stand up and be counted. If people want to be abusive to people who tell the truth, in my estimation that says a lot about them.
Tony says that instead of meeting up with his friends he ended up 'coming back up here', So he must have been at that site before possibly attending the memorial. Just because the official memorial was not put up untill 1969 does not mean an unofficial or Tony's own marking of the spot does not count.
John Humphrey, the 2nd lieutenant, was my great-great uncle. I learned from my grandmother (his great-niece) about the story yesterday. I’ve never been prouder. It happened. The crash was due to fleck from the Germans, which required them to crash land, making a choice to save the children
I met Tony last week in the park. I was surprised by what a great job he had done. The memorial garden commemorates a sad event. But still, a lovely well-maintained place. I used to visit the park regularly, many years ago. I can recall, there was no such garden, just a large stone or rock, with an inscription. I can remember thinking, maybe there should be more than that. Tony is a lovely man and does a great job, and should be commended for his work and dedication. I'm not sure other than what I've mentioned is true or not. but who knows?. Still, I don't think we should focus too much on how long he has been attending to the memorial. The main thing is that, the horror of war, and the men who sadly died are remembered.
Very well done! Remember, whatever those Americans did or didn't do for Tony, they gave their lives to defend Britain and the world. The memorial to them is well deserved, and if Tony and the media arethe catalyst for the memorial then good on them
Indeed. I think the media could have avoided any potential backlash for Tony by focussing a little more on the disaster and the memorial than him towards the date of the flypast, but at the end of the day I don't think a huge amount of harm has been done?
I have so much sympathy with Tony and would hate him to receive any backlash from this, he is an old man and has probably just been swept up in the emotion of it all. But reporting should be accurate and investigated thoroughly BEFORE publishing/ broadcasting, we, the viewers and the readers deserve better than this, as does Tony.
Indeed. Unfortunately most publishers and broadcasters don't have the time, money or resource to thoroughly investigate things nowadays, and most news is fleeting so they probably thought it would be "tomorrow's chip paper" by now. At the end of the day, I think intentions were good for the most part.
Here's the, thing, we and probably most people (I'm guessing) never bought the whole story but realised something big was brewing so went along for the ride. Yes, I doubtedly he had been looking after it since the plane went down, personally I imagined since mid 90's. Still it was a good show in Endcliffe on 22nd Feb!
On the crash itself. It is quite possible that both sides of the story are true. I have read that the last engine failed and that is why it crashed. If they were lowish they would have pulled up, therefore potentially stalling the aircraft. In this case the wing would drop rapidly and would nose dive and spiral into the ground. Therefore both sides could be true.
True or not, The story is nice, is thought provoking and Tony for presents all those that were young and at home when the brave men and women were fighting / help fighting a war. The kids were kids and effected all.
Interesting, I had heard a similar thing about questions over the length of time that he had been attending the memorial. With regards to memories of the day, I think (or at least hope) that Tony being an 82 year old man, recalling an event 75 years ago is mixing some details up by mistake rather than deliberately misleading the public. Still, it was a good thing for the relatives of the pilots which wouldn't have happened without the work of Dan Walker. It's all starting to remind me of Jebediah Springfield in the Simpsons though!
Very compassionate look at the recent local furore. Had this all occurred ten years ago, it's likely few wouldve had much to say about it but since the rise of Facebook, everyone thinks they have an opinion worth hearing, so it's all played out rather mean spiritedly. We'll done James for producing this level headed rationale on the subject.
Thank you. I do think the allegations are worth looking at, but at the end of the day it won't change anything and there's not only an old man involved here, but the memories of 10 servicemen who lost their lives.
I think the real story is that we don't forget the past no Winners in war just birds singing in a grave yard watching over thousands off war graves. so one memorial in a park once forgotten now remembered and that's the point never forget so the next generations don't make the same mistakes let's all never forget the men and women who serve and who lay down there lives but who all to often get forgotten!
This video states that the memorial was dedicated in 1969..... That could suggest that this would be the " OFFICIAL " memorial .. it doesnt indicate or suggest that Tony Foulds hadnt been tending to a " unofficial memorial, " so the old boy should be left alone and stop being made out to be some sort of liar !! Show respect to the man.
I don't think it really matters. The media, and the film industry as a whole, will always try and embelish stories to make them more appealing. Popped in to see the memorial just yesterday for the first time. nice to see it looking so clean.
I thought this a very good video but then I would, wouldn't I? It is disappointing that people don't want to look at the facts but prefer what seems to be a heart-warming story.
Ironically now you’re making accusations too. 🙂 The subject is obviously a little more complex than that I think, as shown in the video. It’s great that the memorial got a flypast of course. What’s your thoughts on Tony’s story to get to that point though?
Disgraceful. You should remove this video. Not once has Tony said himself in ANY interview that he tended the memorial for longer than 2 years. The BBC were saying it, not him, and so he went to the park for a scrap and play football. There's no way of disputing that the pilots were waving Tony out the way HOW EVER THEY CAME DOWN. Yet your title taints Tony as a liar among his piers. Outrageous. Extremely insulting. It's OBVIOUS Tony isn't lying.
Thanks for the comment. Of course, the video is just the start of the discussion and I'm happy for you to have your say. 😀 It really isn't objectively obvious, hence why so many people are confused by the situation and hence why the discussion has arisen. I've tried to be as objective and balanced as possible and think the video is quite fair. The title is a question, not a statement, so to a sensible reader shouldn't make a judgement on that alone (especially on a video platform where plenty of context is given in the format presented!). It is an important discussion to have because it is essential to have accurate historical records where possible - and when an historian disputes an account it really needs investigating. Not to mention other groups and residents who dispute the accounts presented. Again - it is just a discussion to objectively have, taking away the emotive elements, to determine the facts, we're not casting judgement here. 😀
Radio traffic from the plane should have been recorded, it could explain a lot. As for the Tony Foulds, the BBC never let the truth get in the way of a story and Dan Walker comes across as patronising every time I see him, he'll have something to do with the misinformation.
Your post although well done has tainted this story for me. I agree the BBC did give the story legs, and we bought into it. Now, I don't know the true story but feel this Country needs a few reminders of older maybe better times where people had respect for one and other and this was one. The whole truth is for the court's, although goodness knows there is very little whole truth actually spoken in court's either, but my daughter and I drove over 2 hours to Endcliffe park on the morning of the flypast and were overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Sheffield we met. The flypast was breathtaking with applause following each plane, this was for the fallen American Airmen. Tony Foulds and the BBC broadcasting to the world were there and appreciating the same spectical we appreciated. Win Win, for I believe good like minded peoplle, amongst them a 58 year old manchild and a 13 year old girl from Shropshire with her life ahead of her who appreciated the sentiment and respect of the occasion.
Hi, I new tony for about 6 years not once did he mention this story. I can also tell you he's the biggest con I have ever met and is not a nice person.
@@DeejayoneUkHub hi, I've been going nuts over this. Knowing him and how he is then seeing him profit from it has really annoyed me. Why do you never see his son at his side? I will tell you why cause his son isn't the smartest wouldn't of even known what a b17 is and not a good lier. Tony used to voulenteer at a place I did he actually got a official letter from the council asking him not to voulenteer on any council places for his trouble causing and lies. They said it was the first voulenteer they had officially sacked. I used to see him 3 4 times a week and hung around with his son alot aswell over about 6 Years never once told this story and no way In hell has he been going there for 71 years I know that for a fact
Also would like to add I talked to 3 other people that new him for years. All say the same never once did he tell this story. And pretty mad about it. Also I collect ww2 stuff always have done from a young age. Why would of he not told me they story knowing I was interested in ww2?
His son not smartest probably but come on you have to have something wrong with you to work at that you park that has no idea on how to look after livestock.... And his son was at nearly every interview and was at fly over you know fuck all about his son or him.....
Just read the heart warming story in the I paper. It’s a shame when you then Google Tony Foulds the first item you see is the headline ‘did Tony lie.....’. Maybe he didn’t tend to the memorial for 60 years but who cares. I think your headline is basically click bait and attempts to gain some traction by discrediting a lovely old man for the sake of a detail no one should care less about. Shame
I appreciate the comment. The headline is based on a lot of accusations going round at the time this video was published (and since), so I felt it prudent to explore the question itself. Note that it IS a question, not an accusation - and the whole video is simply the start of the conversation; it is for viewers and others to explore as much as they like and make their own minds up. That said, historical accuracy is important - whatever the true story is, it is important that the true story is told, for what respect is there for the victims if an incorrect version of their story is told? Likewise, what of those people who allegedly tended the memorial for the many years Tony didn't, without any recognition and then to be pushed aside when the anniversary came along? It is great we got the flypast (I went!) and the work Tony has done for whatever time he has done it (he still tends to the memorial to this day), but is it at the cost of historical accuracy and correct shared recognition? Again - these are questions, not allegations - feel free to make your own mind up. :)
Thoughts?
There was a fly by again yesterday. Very loud. Very Low. Great to see but i wasn't aware they were coming.
A very balanced and sensitive approach to a delicate subject. I have to be honest when i first saw the program about this i was uncomfortable with the main character, something about the whole dedication to "my memorial" did not sit well, also as a frequenter of the park for many a year never saw or heard of the memorial until recently. The most disturbing part for me is that according to his statement the plane circled 3 times in all. Considering that they would have known Norton airport was close they could have easily got there, and the space need to circle on of those planes would have taken them out into the countryside with plenty of open spaces to try and land.
No matter how long he has been attending it does not matter. Those airmen still died during an awful war and deserve to be remembered. Whether it’s a lifetime or a couple of weeks; tending to a memorial is important. The family of those airmen and the airmen themselves deserve a memorial and a chance to properly reflect
To the true heroes; The officers and men of the Mi Amigo, God bless them.
I first met Tony Foulds in 2011 after Hallam parkrun and he was attending then.
Thanks for your comment - nice to hear someone backing up the story, there's not many with specific details!
I have lived at Hunters Bar for 40 years and regularly walk i Endcliffe Park. My Mother and l discovered the memorial by accident while walking in the park. We knew nothing at all of the crash but thought the memorial was a rather poor tribute to 10 courageous men. It was just a stone with the two plaques on and faded wreaths from the last service. This was the case for many years until about 18 months/ two years ago when a few flowers had been planted. When l first heard about this man who had been tending the memorial for over 70 yesrs, my first reaction was "he has not". I am really pleased that at last the memorial looks like a memorial and as though someone cares but i think that it should have all been about the crew. Not people giving gifts to Mr Foulds and Marks & Spencet supplying clothing for him to go London to collect an award. Dan Walker (who should have done a bit of research) before opening a can of worms is actually the man responsible for getting the fly past but he gets no recognition for his part. If Mr Foulds had said that he had been attending the site for about 2 years, l would be applauding him. If he had not accepted gifts & said thank you but it's not about me, again l would have applauded him. But the fact that he appears to be enjoying his fame and all the gifts does not sit comfortably with quite a few people. What can be done now l do not know. This has gone world wide and relatives of the crew have been lead to believe that someone has been looking after their dead relatives' memorial for many years, l understand that some have even sent him gifts, but l do know that there are many people not happy about the situation.
Thank you for commenting. I've privately heard a few similar stories from similar people in the area since the story started to come out and the video was made, but very few want to speak out after seeing some of the abuse people asking questions have received.
@@DeejayoneUkHub l will stand up and be counted. If people want to be abusive to people who tell the truth, in my estimation that says a lot about them.
Tony says that instead of meeting up with his friends he ended up 'coming back up here', So he must have been at that site before possibly attending the memorial. Just because the official memorial was not put up untill 1969 does not mean an unofficial or Tony's own marking of the spot does not count.
John Humphrey, the 2nd lieutenant, was my great-great uncle. I learned from my grandmother (his great-niece) about the story yesterday. I’ve never been prouder. It happened. The crash was due to fleck from the Germans, which required them to crash land, making a choice to save the children
It seems to me that this is all about Dan Walker.
I met Tony last week in the park. I was surprised by what a great job he had done. The memorial garden commemorates a sad event. But still, a lovely well-maintained place. I used to visit the park regularly, many years ago. I can recall, there was no such garden, just a large stone or rock, with an inscription. I can remember thinking, maybe there should be more than that. Tony is a lovely man and does a great job, and should be commended for his work and dedication.
I'm not sure other than what I've mentioned is true or not. but who knows?. Still, I don't think we should focus too much on how long he has been attending to the memorial. The main thing is that, the horror of war, and the men who sadly died are remembered.
Very well done!
Remember, whatever those Americans did or didn't do for Tony, they gave their lives to defend Britain and the world.
The memorial to them is well deserved, and if Tony and the media arethe catalyst for the memorial then good on them
Indeed. I think the media could have avoided any potential backlash for Tony by focussing a little more on the disaster and the memorial than him towards the date of the flypast, but at the end of the day I don't think a huge amount of harm has been done?
I have so much sympathy with Tony and would hate him to receive any backlash from this, he is an old man and has probably just been swept up in the emotion of it all. But reporting should be accurate and investigated thoroughly BEFORE publishing/ broadcasting, we, the viewers and the readers deserve better than this, as does Tony.
Indeed. Unfortunately most publishers and broadcasters don't have the time, money or resource to thoroughly investigate things nowadays, and most news is fleeting so they probably thought it would be "tomorrow's chip paper" by now. At the end of the day, I think intentions were good for the most part.
BBC have dug deep into this before publishing it.
@@waynefoulds Sadly they have not.
@@kathrynfoster447 I spoke to the BBC Producer, Claire, a few days later, BBC did no checks just took Dan's word for it.
Yes they did. And so did town hall and so did house of lords don't believe lies of these low life scum that bully and threaten old people.
Here's the, thing, we and probably most people (I'm guessing) never bought the whole story but realised something big was brewing so went along for the ride. Yes, I doubtedly he had been looking after it since the plane went down, personally I imagined since mid 90's. Still it was a good show in Endcliffe on 22nd Feb!
On the crash itself. It is quite possible that both sides of the story are true. I have read that the last engine failed and that is why it crashed. If they were lowish they would have pulled up, therefore potentially stalling the aircraft. In this case the wing would drop rapidly and would nose dive and spiral into the ground. Therefore both sides could be true.
In addition, the pilot was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions. He wouldn't have got that for simply spiralling into the ground.
True or not, The story is nice, is thought provoking and Tony for presents all those that were young and at home when the brave men and women were fighting / help fighting a war.
The kids were kids and effected all.
Interesting, I had heard a similar thing about questions over the length of time that he had been attending the memorial. With regards to memories of the day, I think (or at least hope) that Tony being an 82 year old man, recalling an event 75 years ago is mixing some details up by mistake rather than deliberately misleading the public.
Still, it was a good thing for the relatives of the pilots which wouldn't have happened without the work of Dan Walker.
It's all starting to remind me of Jebediah Springfield in the Simpsons though!
Very compassionate look at the recent local furore. Had this all occurred ten years ago, it's likely few wouldve had much to say about it but since the rise of Facebook, everyone thinks they have an opinion worth hearing, so it's all played out rather mean spiritedly. We'll done James for producing this level headed rationale on the subject.
Thank you. I do think the allegations are worth looking at, but at the end of the day it won't change anything and there's not only an old man involved here, but the memories of 10 servicemen who lost their lives.
I think the real story is that we don't forget the past no Winners in war just birds singing in a grave yard watching over thousands off war graves. so one memorial in a park once forgotten now remembered and that's the point never forget so the next generations don't make the same mistakes let's all never forget the men and women who serve and who lay down there lives but who all to often get forgotten!
This video states that the memorial was dedicated in 1969..... That could suggest that this would be the " OFFICIAL " memorial .. it doesnt indicate or suggest that Tony Foulds hadnt been tending to a " unofficial memorial, " so the old boy should be left alone and stop being made out to be some sort of liar !! Show respect to the man.
I don't think it really matters. The media, and the film industry as a whole, will always try and embelish stories to make them more appealing. Popped in to see the memorial just yesterday for the first time. nice to see it looking so clean.
I thought this a very good video but then I would, wouldn't I? It is disappointing that people don't want to look at the facts but prefer what seems to be a heart-warming story.
Thank you Martin - your comment (and your work on this story!) means a lot. :)
You would not know facts if it hit you in the face....
@@waynefoulds Happy for you to add your constructive thoughts, observations and evidence to the debate?
For one he making accusation based on lies he has been told ...
All he wanted was a fly over which he got
Ironically now you’re making accusations too. 🙂
The subject is obviously a little more complex than that I think, as shown in the video. It’s great that the memorial got a flypast of course. What’s your thoughts on Tony’s story to get to that point though?
Disgraceful. You should remove this video. Not once has Tony said himself in ANY interview that he tended the memorial for longer than 2 years. The BBC were saying it, not him, and so he went to the park for a scrap and play football. There's no way of disputing that the pilots were waving Tony out the way HOW EVER THEY CAME DOWN. Yet your title taints Tony as a liar among his piers. Outrageous. Extremely insulting. It's OBVIOUS Tony isn't lying.
Thanks for the comment. Of course, the video is just the start of the discussion and I'm happy for you to have your say. 😀 It really isn't objectively obvious, hence why so many people are confused by the situation and hence why the discussion has arisen. I've tried to be as objective and balanced as possible and think the video is quite fair. The title is a question, not a statement, so to a sensible reader shouldn't make a judgement on that alone (especially on a video platform where plenty of context is given in the format presented!). It is an important discussion to have because it is essential to have accurate historical records where possible - and when an historian disputes an account it really needs investigating. Not to mention other groups and residents who dispute the accounts presented. Again - it is just a discussion to objectively have, taking away the emotive elements, to determine the facts, we're not casting judgement here. 😀
Yes and rather listen to a book that got alot of lies in it..
@@waynefoulds Which book is that? What lies?
Radio traffic from the plane should have been recorded, it could explain a lot. As for the Tony Foulds, the BBC never let the truth get in the way of a story and Dan Walker comes across as patronising every time I see him, he'll have something to do with the misinformation.
Recorded? In 1944? What on? Minidisk?
Your post although well done has tainted this story for me.
I agree the BBC did give the story legs, and we bought into it.
Now, I don't know the true story but feel this Country needs a few reminders of older maybe better times where people had respect for one and other and this was one.
The whole truth is for the court's, although goodness knows there is very little whole truth actually spoken in court's either, but my daughter and I drove over 2 hours to Endcliffe park on the morning of the flypast and were overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Sheffield we met.
The flypast was breathtaking with applause following each plane, this was for the fallen American Airmen.
Tony Foulds and the BBC broadcasting to the world were there and appreciating the same spectical we appreciated.
Win Win, for I believe good like minded peoplle, amongst them a 58 year old manchild and a 13 year old girl from Shropshire with her life ahead of her who appreciated the sentiment and respect of the occasion.
Did you really need to make this …. are you really proud of yourself ?
Hi, I new tony for about 6 years not once did he mention this story. I can also tell you he's the biggest con I have ever met and is not a nice person.
Thank you for the comment. It would be nice to know a little more detail, if you would like to share?
@@DeejayoneUkHub hi, I've been going nuts over this. Knowing him and how he is then seeing him profit from it has really annoyed me. Why do you never see his son at his side? I will tell you why cause his son isn't the smartest wouldn't of even known what a b17 is and not a good lier. Tony used to voulenteer at a place I did he actually got a official letter from the council asking him not to voulenteer on any council places for his trouble causing and lies. They said it was the first voulenteer they had officially sacked. I used to see him 3 4 times a week and hung around with his son alot aswell over about 6 Years never once told this story and no way In hell has he been going there for 71 years I know that for a fact
Also would like to add I talked to 3 other people that new him for years. All say the same never once did he tell this story. And pretty mad about it. Also I collect ww2 stuff always have done from a young age. Why would of he not told me they story knowing I was interested in ww2?
Just shows how much you knew them...
Like to know real name of you
His son not smartest probably but come on you have to have something wrong with you to work at that you park that has no idea on how to look after livestock....
And his son was at nearly every interview and was at fly over you know fuck all about his son or him.....
I have done a follow-up to my original post which can be seen at wp.me/p5wFIX-1cu
Why would he lie tho god you guys are bored😂
👏👏👏
Just read the heart warming story in the I paper. It’s a shame when you then Google Tony Foulds the first item you see is the headline ‘did Tony lie.....’. Maybe he didn’t tend to the memorial for 60 years but who cares. I think your headline is basically click bait and attempts to gain some traction by discrediting a lovely old man for the sake of a detail no one should care less about. Shame
I appreciate the comment. The headline is based on a lot of accusations going round at the time this video was published (and since), so I felt it prudent to explore the question itself. Note that it IS a question, not an accusation - and the whole video is simply the start of the conversation; it is for viewers and others to explore as much as they like and make their own minds up. That said, historical accuracy is important - whatever the true story is, it is important that the true story is told, for what respect is there for the victims if an incorrect version of their story is told? Likewise, what of those people who allegedly tended the memorial for the many years Tony didn't, without any recognition and then to be pushed aside when the anniversary came along? It is great we got the flypast (I went!) and the work Tony has done for whatever time he has done it (he still tends to the memorial to this day), but is it at the cost of historical accuracy and correct shared recognition? Again - these are questions, not allegations - feel free to make your own mind up. :)
He did not tell any lies about it at all..
Martin Dawes sounds like he’s a bit of a bell end... looks like a right spotter lol...