ON THIS DAY: 6 February 1958 – British European Airways Flight 609, chartered to carry the Manchester United team home from a European Cup tie, crashed during take-off at Munich-Riem Airport in West Germany. The tragedy would become forever known as the Munich Air Disaster.
Manchester United had just played a European Cup quarter-final in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, against Red Star Belgrade. On their return journey, the aircraft stopped in Munich to refuel. Amid heavy snow, freezing temperatures and slush on the runway, the plane failed to gain sufficient speed on its third take-off attempt. It overran the runway, struck obstacles beyond it, and crashed, breaking apart and bursting into flames.
Of the 44 people on board, 23 lost their lives, while 21 survived. Among the dead were eight Manchester United players, known collectively as the Busby Babes: captain Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor, Geoff Bent, Liam Whelan, and Duncan Edwards, who tragically succumbed to his injuries several weeks later. Edwards was the David Beckham of his day and was described by Bobby Charlton as the best player he had ever seen.
The disaster also claimed the lives of three club officials – secretary Walter Crickmer, trainer Tom Curry and coach Bert Whalley – as well as eight journalists, crew members, and others associated with the club.
Several players and staff survived, including Bobby Charlton, Dennis Viollet, and goalkeeper Harry Gregg, whose extraordinary bravery saw him repeatedly return to the wreckage to rescue fellow passengers. Manager Sir Matt Busby was critically injured and even given the last rites, but he ultimately recovered and went on to rebuild Manchester United, leading the club to future greatness.
Every year on 6 February, Manchester United and the wider football community come together to remember those who lost their lives. A remembrance service is held at Old Trafford, beneath the Munich memorial plaque on the stadium forecourt. The ceremony features poems, songs, the reading of the victims’ names, and wreath-laying by club representatives, supporters, and families.
A parallel memorial service also takes place at the crash site in Munich, now known as Manchesterplatz. Fans and representatives from Manchester United – and at times FC Bayern Munich – gather to pay tribute, lay wreaths, and reflect in silence. Traditional songs, including ‘The Flowers of Manchester,’ are often performed, ensuring the memory of the Busby Babes and all those lost is never forgotten.