For years there was a marker stone situated about midway between the Broughton Road park entrance and the Library.
As a kid we were told it was the site where an aircraft or balloonist crashed.
I never did find out whether it was a wind up or there was some truth in the story.
I wondered if the stone was still there?
Can anyone give any information?
FairyNormal
16-04-2004, 10:43
As a regular user of the park I can't say I have noticed it. I can vaguely remember it as a young child but can't remember any details. I'll ask around and see what I can find out.
FairyNormal
17-04-2004, 11:34
Hi again
I asked around about the stone but no-one can remember it. Maybe my mind is playing tricks on me!!
What I have come up with however, is that an American Aircraft came down in Endcliffe park during WW2. There is a memorial stone there and each year a service is held in remembrance of the crew members who died. Apparently it was held recently.
Maybe you got the park mixed up?
The stone was only about 12" square and about 6' deep.
It was situated at the right hand side of a track that was a short cut from the gate at the top of Broughton Road and the old Willow tree which was at the back of the Library.
It was below the proper path that cut across the track, about a third of the way to the gate from that path.
Maybe someone could have a look to see if it is still there??
Was it an allied plane (piloted by a polish airman) that crashed landed there in world war two?
That sounds about right but my memory is vague and I cannot confirm it.
When I come back to Sheffield I will look into the old newspapers and see if there is any info.
I have never seen anything written about it.
Thanking You
The stone was in memory of a parachutist . In the early years of the 20th century there was a flying demonstration, and an early parachutist was to land in the park, but unfortunately the chute failed to open and he was killed.
Thanks Algy the parachutist story rings a bell.
I wonder if he jumped from a balloon for the demo?
PopT