Munich 50th Anniversary

Only Silence Can Do Justice For 'The Babes'

Only silence can do justice for Busby Babes

There are certain harrowing events that one must remember, so as never to
forget, and one of those bitter days arrives next month. On Feb 6 it will be 50
years to the night when the plane carrying Manchester United home from a
European Cup tie in Belgrade failed to clear the runway at Munich, and 23 people
perished.

Other than the World Cup triumph of 1966, the Munich air crash remains the most
important landmark in the history of post-war English football. It helped to
establish the reputation of Manchester United, taking their name around the
world in a way that tragic events often do, though the club's subsequent
reconstruction under Sir Matt Busby also had something to do with it.





Larger than life: a huge mural has gone up at Old Trafford of the Manchester
United team lining up ahead of their European Cup game with Red Star Belgrade
before the disaster at Munich airport on Feb 6, 1958

Less happily, the crash gives supporters of other clubs, notably Manchester City
and Liverpool, a grubby stick with which to beat them. Thousands of City fans
persist in loud-mouthed mockery every week with their shameful references
to 'Munichs', their demeaning songs, and gestures intended to denote the wings
of an aeroplane. Criminal offences there, one would have thought.

We are not so degraded, however, as to take our cue from the most disgusting
members of the species. Or are we? England play Switzerland at Wembley on
Feb 6, in Fabio Capello's first match as coach, and the Football Association have
decided that, although the players will mark the 50th anniversary of the crash by
wearing black arm-bands, there will be no minute's silence before the game.

It's a mistake. Manchester United may be one club among many, but they happen
to be the biggest club in the country, and their loss had, and has, a national
dimension. For it was country as well as club that lost Tommy Taylor, Roger
Byrne, Eddie Colman and Duncan Edwards. Had those players lived it is possible
that England would have won the World Cup in 1958 and 1962 as well as 1966,
when Bobby Charlton, who survived the crash, had come of age.

Too many tears are shed in our weepy age. There are too many tributes paid to
the departed, when the words spring from insincere hearts. But sincerity does
exist, and there are a few occasions when tributes must be paid, not for form's
sake, but out of a genuine need to remember.

Remembrance, in its purest state, is conducted in silence, a truism that appears
to be lost on the people who run football. The sound of a minute's applause in
memory of a dead one has become depressingly familiar in our football grounds,
excused airily by the absurd excuse that it is a 'continental custom'.

So what? They also spear bulls over there, beat donkeys, and put pepper on their
strawberries. We have customs of our own, or used to, and the most appropriate
way we remember the fallen is by observing a period of silence, which offers
everybody an opportunity for reflection.

That is particularly significant in a sports stadium, where we hear noise all the
time. Silence is never more impressive, nor more meaningful, than when it is
observed by thousands of people, and that is why Wembley should be quiet on
Feb 6.

If Brian Barwick-Mainwaring, the top dog at the Football Association, decreed it, it
could be so. But football gave in a long time ago to the oiks and, having moved
heaven and earth to land Capello, the FA are not going to have the coach's
grand entrance ruined by fans shouting obscenities during a minute's silence to a
club many of them loathe.

At Old Trafford, happily, there will be silence. Or at least there will be if the folk
from the other side of the city decide to observe it. Manchester City have sent
out letters to those fans who will attend the game, asking them to behave, but
that's rather like asking the wind not to blow.

It is likely the silence will be broken. If so it would be nice to think that the
offenders will be exposed and punished appropriately. But we should still opt for
silence at such times, and United, who are not always beyond criticism, should be
commended.

A fan remebers............................


I remember very clearly the day we heard about the terrible plane crash at Munich with the United team in 1958. I remember seeing grown men crying, i remember the stunned silence everywhere.

My mum closed the curtains in the house which was customary back then when someone had passed away. I remember going outside and seeing that everybody else on the street (Saintsbridge Road) had done the same - all the curtains were closed out of respect for the lives that had been lost at Munich.

The world seemed to stop for me for a while. The United team were like family to us.

I remember people going down to Benchill to line the road from the airport to view the coffins as they made their way from the airport a few days later. I didn't want to go, it was too painful.

The crash was all people talked about and read about in the newspaper. The news was grim. We thought Duncan Edwards was going to live but he didn't make it, unfortunately. It was touch and go for Matt Busby for a while but he pulled through.

Jimmy Murphy ran things in the meantime and there was talk of him bringing players in . I went to the first game after Munich at Old Trafford with my sister and you could touch the emotion and the tension that filled the air that evening they played Sheffield Wednesday in the Cup. I still have my programme from that game with all the blank names of the United team. We filled the names while the announcer gave us the team over the tannoy. We went mad when they won and went on a magnificent run to the Cup Final. I saw all the home games for the rest of that year and for many more years to come plus many away games.

You can't take those memories away from me, the excitement, the tragedy of the Munich air disaster- they will always be with me. I feel proud and fortunate in a way to have witnessed the events in Manchester and Old Trafford during the Winter and Spring of 1958.

.

From IMUSA.....................


Commemorations in Munich February 6th 2008 ::

18th January 2008


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Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Duncan Edwards, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor, Liam Whelan, Walter Crickmer, Bert Whalley, Tom Curry, Alf Clarke, Don Davies, George Follows, Tom Jackson, Archie Ledbrooke, Henry Rose, Eric Thompson, Frank Swift, Kenneth Rayment, Bela Miklos, Willie Satinoff, Tom Cable.
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As the official commemorations to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster will all be held in Manchester, IMUSA has organised a short ceremony at the crash site to give a focus to those fans planning to be there on the day.

The ceremony will be led by a Priest from the English speaking Catholic mission in Munich and will involve a short religious ceremony, a reading of the names of the dead, a reading of "The Flowers of Manchester" which will be followed by the playing of this tune on the bagpipes and a lament as people lay wreaths etc.

The ceremony will begin at approximately 2.30pm and will take place at the older of the two memorial sites at the junction of Emplstraße and Karotschstraße in the village of Trudering on the outskirts of Munich.

Directions and transport details are given on the Munich58.co.uk website.

The ceremony is planned to last no more than 15-20 minutes, so that fans have plenty of time with their own thoughts.

Members of the press are reminded of the solemn nature of this commemoration and are asked to keep at a respectful distance.

Further details can be obtained by emailing [email protected] and whilst the organisers will be able to provide background information, no interviews will be given.

In accordance with tradition, fans will also be gathering under the memorial plaque at Old Trafford at 3 O'clock on February 6th.

All times are local.

.

Survivors of the Munich air crash watch Matt Busby unveil a memorial to those who died.

In the centre, hands in his pockets, Dennis Viollet. Behind him, Harry Gregg and next to him Albert Scanlon and next to Scanlon is Ken Morgans. 25th February 1960

Photo from Munich58.co.uk

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They were our heroes, they never grew old;
That's why their story, will forever be told;
Young boys and young men, who just lived for the game;
Their banner was football, and Manchester United's proud name.

They grew up together, were Matt's only dream;
Forged by their youth, they were England's best team;
Working class lads, from towns far and near;
Who created the legend, that is now held so dear.

They were Matt's creation, far ahead of their time;
Young boys that were gifted, played football sublime;
All friends together, full of joy, laughter, and fun;
But when Saturday came, how they got their job done.

They won Youth Cups galore, Reserve trophies too;
Rewards in the years, before they broke through;
One by one they appeared, and cemented a place;
Realising Matt's dreams, in the Championship Race.

They had no fears, for they knew they were best;
They never worried, from where came the test;
Be it Arsenal in London, even Red Star Belgrade;
These kids were the Champions, and Manchester made.

Roger Byrne was the Captain, a man of great pride;
A leader unquestioned, in charge of Matt's side.
Ray Wood was a 'keeper, assured and agile;
This quiet young Geordie, kept goal with great style.

Bill Foulkes from St. Helens, who had worked down the pit;
At full back, he was tough, uncompromising, so full of grit.
Eddie Colman from Salford, was nicknamed 'snake-hips'
His body-swerve always, brought gasps from our lips!

Mark Jones from Barnsley, born of true Yorkshire stock;
A centre half, steadfast, solid, just like a rock!
Duncan Edwards from Dudley, was the greatest of all;
This giant of a boy, lived to play the game of football.

Johnny Berry from Farnborough, a winger so small;
Left full-backs perplexed with his skills on the ball.
Liam Whelan from Dublin, was the old inside right;
The man that was needed, when things got so tight

Tommy Taylor from Barnsley, smiled when he scored;
Old Trafford or Wembley, how those crowds roared;
Denis Violett from Manchester, who scored so many goals;
A schemer so versatile, played in so many roles.

David Pegg was from Doncaster, but oh! Could he play
Just like his young mates, in United's great way.
Bob Charlton from Ashington, had a cannonball shot;
The scribes and the fans said, 'this kid's got the lot!?

Jackie Blanchflower from Belfast, was the manager's dream;
He could play anywhere, in that famous young team.
Albert Scanlon from Manchester, a young winger with grace;
With great skills on the ball, and a whole lot of pace.

Kenny Morgans the Welshman, another winger of note;
A great future ahead, so all the scribes wrote.
Geoff Bent was a full back, in Salford was bred;
A Reserve ever ready, for his team that wore Red.

Harry Gregg was a 'keeper, last to join the young Babes;
From Ireland he came, and had earned the fans raves.
The team was complete, the hard work had been done;
The challenge before them, three trophies to be won.

These were the players, so young, so renowned;
Their football brought crowds, into cities and towns.
The way the 'Babes' played, was full of pride, skill, and passion;
And oh! how fans loved, this new football fashion.

Into Europe they traveled, with a fine reputation;
Encouraged by all, they were pride of our Nation.
Carrying all of our hopes, and with them our dreams;
With never a fear, against Europe's great teams.

First came Anderlecht, Dortmund, then Bilbao from Spain;
These teams were dispatched, in the sunshine and rain.
Wherever the 'Babes' played, they drew great admiration;
From the fans of the clubs, within each foreign nation.

Real Madrid were the Champions, a team full of class;
Providing the next test, that the 'Babes' had to pass.
They narrowly failed, in two hard fought games;
But Europe now knew, our young team, and their names.

In '57, League Champions again, F.A. Cup Finalists as well;
That season had ended, but we all could tell;
How they longed for the next season , so that they could appear;
In this great European competition, in another new year.

First came Shamrock from Ireland, they were no match for this team;
And next the 'Babes' ended, Czech Dukla's European dream.
From Belgrade came Red Star, and on a damp foggy night;
Our team of young 'Babes' showed how they could fight.

At Old Trafford, 2-1 was the score, and the job was half done;
This Quarter Final tie, still had to be won.
To win that Gold Cup, was Matt's Holy Grail;
And the 'Babes' were so confident, this year wouldn?t fail.

They left for Belgrade, full of happiness and smiles;
As the plane flew across Europe, and thousands of miles.
With the press lads on board, they were all so United;
On the day of the match, so calm, but excited.

In no time at all, three goals had been scored;
Silencing the crowd, and their Slavic roars.
All to United, they were three of the best;
And once more the 'Babes' had stood up to the test.

Red Star came on strong, and made it a game;
With the help of the Ref, they were back in the frame.
Some amazing decisions, the 'Babes' stayed cool;
A draw, 3-3 at the end, of this great footballing duel.

The Slavs were first, to offer their congratulations;
More friends had been made, in one of Europe's footballing nations.
The 'Babes' had earned, their plaudits and cheers;
That night they celebrated, with a few well earned beers.

The following morning, they were homeward bound;
Their laughter, and banter, such a happy sound.
Belgrade to Munich, was the first part of their trip;
But as Germany approached, the temperature dipped.

At Munich they stopped, and the weather was bad;
Snow fell from the skies, but no one seemed sad.
Still full of banter, jokes, wisecracks, retorts;
This stop allowed Pressmen, to file some reports.

The call came to board, and out they did go;
From the warmth of the Terminal, and into the snow.
Through the doors of the aircraft, and into their places;
Players, officials, passengers, all happy faces.

The engines were started, by the good Captain Thain
Out to the runway, went the plane once again.
The Tower gave clearance, and the wheels started turning;
Through ice, snow, and slush, the aircraft was churning.

Way down the runway, the brakes were applied;
Screeching, and scraping, apprehension inside.
The plane taxied round, and there was lots of emotion;
Inside of that aircraft, but never commotion.

Once more the good Captain, taxied round to the runway;
The snow was still falling, and the skies were still gray.
Golf-Alpha Zulu, called for clearance once more;
It moved, gathered speed, as its engines did roar.

Once more the take-off, had to be aborted;
Thick slush on the runway, the Captain reported.
So back to the Terminal , and our heroes deplaned;
The reason for delay, to them never explained.

The banter had stopped, there was now apprehension;
The Terminal filled, it was now full of tension.
Not many spoke, there was expression of fears;
Nervousness, anxiety, betraying their young years.

All too quickly, they were called once again;
Slowly they filed out, to board that old plane.
They went into their seats, with seat belts strapped on;
One man was missing, Alf Clarke from the Chron.

Across the tarmac, Alf jogged on his feet;
Into the aircraft, he took the last seat.
The doors were closed, they were Manchester bound;
Inside that plane, no one uttered a sound.

The aircraft moved off, through the slush, and the snow;
To the runway, lined up, given clearance to go.
Brakes released, gathering speed, started trying;
To leave Munich ground, and once more start flying.

Inside they were frightened, yet nobody spoke;
Except Liam Whelan, a religious type bloke.
'If this is death, then I'm ready to die?'
Were the last words that Liam, was ever to cry.

Down the runway it sped, trying to pick up the pace;
That would give it the lift, for their journey to face.
Onward, and onward, there could be no return;
It crashed through a fence, hit a house, started to burn.

Seven heroes died, in a few seconds of time;
We were never to see them, play in their prime.
Big Dunc battled on, he fought the great fight;
15 days later, it was lost, he passed away in the night.

Walter the Secretary, Bert and Tom, the loved Coaches;
All three lost their lives, on the Munich approaches.
Loved by their 'Babes' and by all the fans too;
Great servants of United, and Red, through, and through.

Eight journalists also, joined our heroes at rest;
Including Big Swifty, who was one of the best.
Tom, and Alf, from the locals, Eric, George, Archie, and Don;
Dear Henry as well, they, just like the 'Babes' in seconds were gone.

They had all set out, on a cold Monday morning;
They never returned, and it left us all mourning.
The dark days that followed, were gloomy and black;
Our heroes were lost, they were not coming back.

For those of us who saw them, it's ne'er been the same;
Wonderful memories live on, but then so does the pain.
They were ordinary young men, and we had shared in their dream;
To us, they were our heroes, and were our favourite team.

The 'Babes' were true Champions, for just two short years;
They played in Matt's way, total football, no fears.
The Nation loved them, because they had brought them such joys;
Entertaining, graceful, gifted, skillful, but most of them boys.

50 years have now passed, since that sad fateful day;
When those heroes were lost, in such a harsh, cruel, way.
Their memories enshrined, will forever be cherished;
We never forget why it was, that these young heroes perished.

They were our heroes, they never grew old
That's why their story will forever be told
Young boys and young men who just lived for the game
Their banner was football, and Manchester United's great name!

A poem from one of the survivor, Harry Gregg , Hero of Munich.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiTjPTlGLmw

City fear 'idiots' will ruin Manchester United's Munich tribute

Fearful Manchester City supporters have urged Manchester United to abandon plans for a minute's silence to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster before next month's Manchester derby.

City's official supporters' club have written to United and the Barclays Premier League over fears the tribute will be marred by a vocal minority amongst the 3,000 travelling fans at Old Trafford on February 10.



A minute's silence to mark the death of former United player Noel Cantwell during a derby game in September 2005 was cut short after just 35 seconds by anti-United chanting from the City supporters.

Kevin Parker, the supporters' club secretary, said: "Although there is some friendly rivalry between supporters of the two clubs, there is also a great deal of hatred and there will be some City fans who will not want to go along with the recognition of the disaster.

"We plead with United to change the proposed minute's silence to applause.
"In this way, any idiot who does not share these views (of respect) will be drowned out rather than highlighted."

However, United feel applause is not appropriate to mark the tragic loss.
Although both clubs have worked closely in an effort to ease tensions a minority of City fans have recently been heard chanting, 'We're all going to the golden jubilee,' to the tune of Yellow Submarine at recent away games.

United fans are furious that the logo of club sponsor AIG is included in a giant tribute unveiled at Old Trafford.
The company's motif and United's badge stand either side of the legend, 'They play on in our memories' at the foot of the moving tribute to the United players who were among 23 victims of the crash.

In a joint statement, United fans' groups likened the combination of words and logo to "a cheesy advertising strapline" and demanded its removal.

"It appears an attempt to monetise the remembrance of Munich by associating themselves with the powerful emotions generated," they added.

But United, who have a £56million deal with AIG, said: "It is entirely appropriate that a partner as closely involved as AIG would want to remember that extraordinary team, cut down in its prime."

Sir Alex Ferguson will reward his players with a day by the pool and on the golf course after Al-Hilal inflicted a 3-2 defeat on United in Riyadh last night.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez scored in Sami Al Jaber's testimonial match but 17- year-old forward Danny Wellbeck missed an injury-time penalty at the end of the game to deny the Premier League champions a draw.