It’s less than two weeks until Sheffield looks to the skies to see a unique flyover of US and Royal Air Force aircraft – to mark 75 years since the Mi Amigo disaster.
The whole city is rallying behind Tony Foulds, who has been tending the Mi Amigo memorial for many years, with Buses for Sheffield and Stagecoach Supertram offering free travel for service personnel and veterans in honour of the occasion. Now Sheffield City Council is advising people to plan their journeys to Endcliffe Park carefully and in advance so they can arrive in time for the flypast on Friday 22 February, which will be broadcast live by BBC Breakfast to an audience of millions.
While final aircraft participation will be driven by weather and mission requirements, the US Airforce is anticipating a unique variety of aircraft from U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force installations including RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Coningsby.
Due to airspace regulations, these aircraft will not fly in one combined formation together but will still put on a fantastic show of airpower in tribute to the fallen crew of the Mi Amigo.
The flypast has been inspired by the dedication of Tony Foulds, who has tended the memorial in Endcliffe Park for many years.
Councillor Mary Lea, cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: “This is going to be a truly memorable day in Sheffield’s history and we are looking forward to welcoming our friends from the US to pay tribute to this remarkable crew who gave their lives so bravely during the Second World War.
“Sheffield owes the Mi Amigo crew a huge debt of gratitude for their sacrifice 75 years ago. We have honoured their memory for all these years and this flypast will be a fitting tribute. It’s also a tribute to Tony who has tended the memorial for all these years.
“We want as many people as possible to see the flypast and would urge them to take the following steps to ensure they have a day to remember on 22 February.”
