We shall never forget
On this day 68 years ago, the heart and soul was ripped out one of the brightest club sides in the country. A plane carrying the team of Manchester United, along with management, cabin crew, journalists and guests failed to take off from the runway at Munich Airport.
Twenty were dead at the scene, one died on their way to hospital whilst two more died from their injuries a few weeks later. A scene of devastation for those on the ground and shockwaves sent through the entire footballing community. .
Manchester United had just overcome their opponents, Red Star Belgrade, in a European Cup Quarter-Final. A narrow 2-1 win over the side from the former Yugoslavia at Old Trafford had put the game at a knife-edge. Any fears were dispelled when Dennis Viollet put us ahead after a few minutes and Bobby Charlton netted a double. Not even a fight-back from the home side could stop us from progressing.
On the morning of the 6th, the party set off from Belgrade with the plane refuelling at Munich on the way home. Snow had begun to fall and conditions were looking difficult. Two take-offs were attempted but to no avail. It was believed that the flight was going to be cancelled. Duncan Edwards even sent a telegram telling his landlady he would be back tomorrow. The pilot called all back on board and a third was to take place.
Unfortunately this was to be the final leg for many on board. The plane failed to take off and skidded off the runway, crashed through a fence and across a road. The wing was broken off and flames breaking out in the cockpit and elsewhere. Some were thrown out of the plane whilst others lay in a heap inside. Harry Gregg emerged as a hero rescuing team-mates and passengers alike.
A team who were then favourites of many to retain the championship, and maybe more, were ripped apart. Eight players dead, three coaching staff gone, two of the babes to never play again, survivors haunted by the memories of their friends, the likes of Matt Busby who suffered greatly from his injuries for the rest of his life.
Despite it all, the club managed to pull itself through and recover. Matt built a new side, with Charlton at the heart of it. A European Cup triumph, ten years later, the final goal for the Scot.
Whatever of trouble and strife in the years since, nothing can match the scale of that dark afternoon in Bavaria. Relegation, missing out on titles, underwhelming seasons pale in comparison.
RIP The Flowers of Manchester…..
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