MUNICH REMEMBERED

So it is the 59th anniversary of the Munich Air disaster. I can remember the news coming through on our "wireless" and I was just old enough to realise the enormity of the event.

United were defying The FA ruling by taking part in the European Cup. At this time clubs were discouraged from joining in the tournament, but Sir Matt Busby wanted to test his successful team which had won 3 league titles between 1952-57 and appeared in the FA Cup Final in 1957, losing to Aston Villa.

23 people died in the tragic air crash that took place in Munich as the squad were flying home from Belgrade (having played Red Star), in terrible snowy and icy conditions. The stop off was needed for refuelling, the continuing of the journey not sensible considering the state of the runway.

Eight players died (7 at the scene), 3 staff (William Crickmer-secretary, Tom Curry-trainer, Bert Whalley-coach) and 8 sports' journalists, including Frank Swift an England international goalkeeper working for the News of the World.

The Seven United players who never came home were; Tommy Taylor, Roger Byrne, Geoff Bent, Eddie Colman, Mark Jones, David Pegg and Liam Whelan.

Duncan Edwards, a giant of a man who was to be the next great England footballer, died 15 days later not recovering from his injuries.

Matt Busby and Bobby Charlton survived but were gravely ill. Busby eventually recovered to run the successful "Busby Babes" and of course Bobby played a major part in both United's and England's successful future.

Jackie Blanchflower (brother of Danny) also survived but never played again as did John Berry.
Harry Gregg, the goalkeeper, survived and played for United in the 1958 Cup Final. Bela Milos (travel agent) and Willie Satinoff a friend of Busby and a racecourse owner also came through the ordeal.

The pilot survived, his co-pilot did not.