A short service took take place at Highbridge’s Frank Foley Statue on Thursday (Janary 27th) to commemorate World Holocaust Day.
The Mayor, residents and local councillors attended the ceremony, which was organised by Highbridge’s War Memorial Trust.
Members of the Highbridge Clergy led the service, during which a wreath was laid at the foot of the statue by Burnham and Highbridge Mayor Michael Clarke on behalf of the two towns.
Major Foley was born in Highbridge in 1884 and was a spy in Berlin in the 1930s, using the cover of head of the passport division of the British Embassy. He risked his life by helping persecuted Jews leave Nazi Germany, saving thousands from certain death. He entered concentration camps such as Sachsenhausen and gave visas to the authorities so Jews could be free to travel.
He was awarded a CMG (Order of St Michael and St George) and in 2005 volunteers from Highbridge raised money for a statue commissioned from sculptor Jonathan Sells.
Light refreshments were served at nearby Southwell House after Thursday’s ceremony.
Our photos show the service underway next to the statue on Thursday
