Lasting Memorial for British War Hero

Published on isbi School News dated Thursday 4th of February 2016

Pupils at Old Swinford Hospital joined people around the world to remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. 27 January marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. They also commemorated local former resident Frank Foley - dubbed the ‘British Schindler’ for his role in saving thousands of Jews from the Holocaust, who now has a lasting memorial in Mary Steven’s Park, Stourbridge. The tree planting ceremony and plaque was organised by Old Foleyan Jack Austin. Attendees included the Mayor of Dudley, Ian Austin MP, Foley's biographer Michael Smith, and members of Frank Foley's family. Jack Austin said “It is great so many people will pay tribute to this Stourbridge hero, who took huge risks to save thousands of people from the Nazi concentration camps. “His bravery teaches us all to do everything we can to oppose racism and prejudice, which is why we want to honour him by planting this tree.” Frank Foley was a passport control officer and MI6 agent at the British embassy in Berlin. He helped thousands of Jewish families escape from Germany before the outbreak of war. OSH Deputy Headmaster Dale Wilkins, pictured with Jack Austin, helped secure funding for the project through the Rotary Club of Stourbridge.