Sir Bobby Charlton has sent a touching letter to Manchester United’s players asking them not to forget those who died in the Munich air disaster as the club prepares to mark the tragedy’s 60th anniversary.
Sir Bobby lost eight teammates when the Busby Babes’ plane crashed on the icy runway of Munich-Riem Airport on February 6 1958.
Geoff Bent, 25; Roger Byrne, 28; Eddie Colman, 21; Duncan Edwards, 21; Mark Jones, 24; David Pegg, 22; Tommy Taylor 26; and Billy Whelan, 22, were all killed as Sir Matt Busby’s squad was returning from a European Cup match against Red Star Belgrade.
And, ahead of the 60th anniversary on Tuesday, Sir Bobby has penned a poignant note to each member of Jose Mourinho’s squad, outlining the importance of the date to the club.
Munich air disaster survivor Sir Bobby Charlton has sent a poignant letter to each member of the Manchester United squad as the club prepares for the tragedy’s 60th anniversary
Sir Bobby lost eight teammates in the disaster but was part of the squad, led by Sir Matt Busby, that went on to life the European Cup in 1968
The Busby Babes were flying back from a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade on a snowy February day when disaster struck
On Saturday, Old Trafford stood silent to mark the tragedy. Sir Bobby’s letter reminds the players: ‘This great club has risen from its darkest hour in a way like no other’
The famous Munich clock situated next to Old Trafford’s East Stand has become an iconic symbol for the commemorations
The note says: ‘Whilst I’m sure you have read and watched documentaries on this truly awful disaster, words cannot describe the devastating effect that this had on the football club and the lives of those affected.
‘Whether on board the plane that evening, or in the aftermath for those and their families and friends, this disaster was life-changing for so many of my good friends and colleagues.
‘On that night in 1958, we lost some of the greatest players and friends that I have made through football, along with a number of staff and journalists on board that flight, while the brave Duncan Edwards passed away days later, making the total of 23 lives lost from the accident.
‘The devastating effect still lives on and this great football club, which you are part of, has risen from its darkest hour in a way like no other.’
Of the 44 people on British European Airways Flight 609, 23 were killed.
The flight had stopped off at Munich to refuel on its way back from Belgrade.
The snow had created treacherous conditions on the runway and Captain James Thain had already aborted two take-offs before the ill-fated third.
Manchester United fans show their appreciation for Sir Bobby, on May 29 1958, the night the club won the European Cup at Wembley
Of the 44 people on British European Airways Flight 609, 23 were killed
Manchester United’s team, staff and fans came together to pay tribute on the 60th anniversary of the Munich air disaster
The club organised a number of tributes as they looked to remember the eight Busby Babes who lost their life in the tragedy
Disaster struck at 3.03pm.
Nine players including Sir Bobby Charlton and Harry Gregg – who were at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon – and manager Busby survived the disaster.
Sir Bobby was part of the squad that, led by Sir Matt, rose from the ashes of the tragedy to lift the European Cup in 1968.
Sir Bobby’s letter, sure to bring home the importance the anniversary’s importance to today’s stars, added: ‘Now, as the time comes to once again remember and pay respects to those victims and survivors of this disaster, I wanted to thank you in advance for the role which you and your team-mates will play in the upcoming tributes.
‘Seeing supporters and players unite every year to pay their respects is such a poignant moment and one that really shows the class of this club and everybody involved and I thank you once again for the part you will play against Huddersfield Town in February, days before the anniversary on Tuesday.’