Victims of The 1958 Munich Air Disaster

Twenty-three of the 43 passengers on board the Elizabethan charter aircraft G-ALZU 'Lord Burghley' lost their lives in the Munich Air Disaster on Thursday 6th February 1958. They included the following Manchester United players and officials:



Roger Byrne: 28. Left-back and club captain. Manchester-born he won 33 caps for England.

Mark Jones: 24. Centre-half. Born in Barnsley. An England schoolboy international.

Duncan Edwards: 21. Eighteen England caps. Died 15 days after the crash following an heroic fight for life.

Tommy Taylor: 26. Centre-forward. Cost �29,999 from Barnsley. 19 England caps.

Eddie Colman: 21. Right-half. At 5ft 7ins the smallest player in the side. Born Salford.

Liam Whelan: 22. Inside-right. Four caps for Republic of Ireland and a former United captain.

David Pegg: 22. Outside-left. Made United debut at 17. One England cap against Republic of Ireland.

Geoff Bent: 25. Left-back. Understudy to Byrne and United's other full-back Bill Foulkes.

Who Also Died � Walter Crickmer Club secretary who was in charge of the side during the war. Bert Whalley Chief Coach. Former left-half at Old Trafford. With United 25 years and also responsible for youth development. Tom Curry Trainer. Joined United in mid-30s and regarded by Matt Busby as "the best trainer in Britain.'' Alf Clarke Journalist - Manchester Evening Chronicle Don Davies Journalist - Manchester Guardian George Follows Journalist - Daily Herald Tom Jackson Journalist - Manchester Evening News Archie Ledbrooke Journalist - Daily Mirror Henry Rose Journalist - Daily Express Eric Thompson Journalist - Daily Mail Frank Swift Journalist - News of the World - Frank Swift was also one of Manchester City's greatest-ever players. Capt Kenneth Rayment Co-Pilot Bela Miklos Travel Agent Willie Satinoff Supporter Tom Cable Steward



Survivors of The 1958 Munich Air Disaster

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Matt Busby himself was severely injured and was twice given his last rites. In the 1960s, Busby rebuilt the Manchester United team. The biggest success of his career came in 1968 when the team won the European Cup. He retired as manager in 1969. Awarded the CBE in 1958 and knighted following the European Cup victory in 1968.

Bill Foulkes (defender) was 26. Went on to play a major part in the European Cup campaign of 1968.

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Harry Gregg (goalkeeper) was 24. He had joined them 2 months before the crash, but was immediately welcomed into the fold. He survived, and was cited for bravery for going back into the burning wreckage to rescue passengers.

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Johnny Berry (winger) was a relative veteran at 31. A very brave and fast winger who scored plenty of goals. Never played again.

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Jackie Blanchflower (defender) was 24. Understudy to Mark Jones, and a very versatile player. Never played again.

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Bobby Charlton (forward) age 20. Just breaking into the team at the time of the crash, he scored twice in Belgrade the night before. Went on to become one of the game's greatest players and remains one of its most respected ambassadors. Lost all his hair shortly after the crash.

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Ken Morgans (winger) was 18. Fast, tricky and brimming with confidence before the crash. Kept Berry out of the side. Never recovered his form after Munich.

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Albert Scanlon (winger) was 22. A player of great potential who suffered terrible head injuries at Munich. Recovered and played well for several years, scoring 16 league goals the season after the crash.

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Dennis Viollet (striker) was 24. A prolific goalscorer and a great player before the crash, he went on to set a United scoring record in 1959-60 with 32 league goals. Later joined Stoke City and served them well for many years. It is said he was never quite as good after the crash, and that he was potentially one of the best strikers in the history of the game.

Ray Wood (goalkeeper) was 26. Lost his place to Harry Gregg, but one of United's legendary goalkeeping heroes. Another who suffered terrible head injuries, he rarely played again. �

Who Also Survived � Frank Taylor Journalist Peter Howard Photographer Ted Ellyard Photographer Mrs Vera Lukic and baby daughter Venona Passengers (rescued by goalkeeper Harry Gregg) Mrs Miklos Wife of Bela Miklos, the travel agent who arranged the trip and died in the crash Mr N Tomasevic Passenger James Thain Captain Rosemary Cheverton Stewardess Margaret Bellis Stewardess George (Bill) Rodgers Radio officer

A short summary of all the players involved that day can be found here .