Frank Foley to receive posthumous honour (From Stourbridge News)

Frank Foley to receive posthumous honour

11:55am Friday 1st May 2009

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UNSUNG Stourbridge hero Frank Foley is finally to be posthumously honoured for saving the lives of around 10,000 Jews during the Holocaust.

Campaigners had been hoping for years to see the man, known as the British Schindler, recognised by his country for his selfless actions.

And last week - more than half a century after his death - Prime Minister Gordon Brown annouced a new award was to be introduced honouring the British heroes of the Holocaust.

Foley, who forged papers to enable up to 10,000 people to flee the Nazis while he was working as a passport control officer in Berlin during the 1930s, was posthumously awarded Israel's highest honour for a non-Jew 'Righteous Among the Nations' - the same award granted to Oskar Schindler.

But he never received any formal recognition in the UK for his brave actions.

Stourbridge MP Lynda Waltho - who was one of those backing the Holocaust Educational Trust’s campaign to honour Holocaust heroes - said: “I am delighted the Government has agreed to formally recognise the incredible contributions made by brave men and women, like Frank Foley, who risked their own lives every day to save the lives of others.

“While it is important that we remember the millions who perished in the Holocaust, we must also remember those who risked their lives to save others.

“Frank Foley’s actions were all carried out at great personal danger, as he had no diplomatic immunity and could have been arrested at any time.

“He received no financial reward for his actions, he risked his life every day simply because he believed it was the right and moral thing to do.

“One of the things I find so amazing about Frank Foley’s story is that after his time in Germany, where he accomplished extraordinary things and saved so many lives, he retired to live an ordinary life in an ordinary house in an ordinary town, Stourbridge.

“It really does go to show that extraordinary deeds can be accomplished by ordinary people and that is truly inspirational.”

Following his Holocaust bravery, Foley retired to Eveson Road in Norton and lived in anonymity until his death in 1958 at the age of 73.

A commemorative stone plaque marking his place in history stands in nearby Mary Stevens Park and Dudley Council introduced an award for community spirit in his name a few years ago.

The Cabinet Office now plans to speak to relatives of Holocaust rescuers to decide on an appropriate form for the official award to take.

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