February 6th, 1958

6th February 1958 – The greatest disaster ever to befall a British club occured when the aircraft bringing the Manchester United team home from a European Cup tie in Belgrade crashed when attempting to take off after a re-fuelling stop in Munich. 23 people were killed including players, officials and newspaper reporters. Among the dead were:
Roger Byrne; club captain who had played 246 League games, was capped 33 times at full-back for England and won three Championship medals.
Geoff Bent, reserve full-back, with ten senior outings.
Mark Jones, centre-half, who had played in over 100 games for the club.
Bill Whelan, 43 goals in 79 matches and four caps for the Republic of Ireland.
Ernie Coleman, a hundred games and an England U-23 international.
Tommy Taylor, England centre-forward with 16 goals in 16 matches, who had cost almost £30,000 when signed from Barnsley in 1953 and scorer of 180 goals in his eight seasons in top class football.
Duncan Edwards who died after fighting for his life for 15 days. He had made his United debut at the age of 16 years, 285 days; a club record. In a career which spanned 175 League appearances as a midfielder he won Championship medals in 1955-56 and 1956-57. He was capped 18 times for England scoring five goals and made his debut against Scotland on 2nd April 1955 at the age of 18 years, 183 days. A stained glass window depicting him was erected in the Parish Church of St Francis in his home town of Dudley.
Tom Curry, club trainer who played in over 200 matches for Newcastle United either side of the First War.
Bert Whalley, coach and a United player before the Second War.
Walter Crickmore, club secretary.
Frank Swift, then a journalist, but formerly Manchester City and England goalkeeper and one of the most loved characters in the game. Winner of a Cup medal in 1934 at the age of 19 as well as First and Second Division medals. Played for England in 11 Wartime and “Victory” internationals and 19 official matches.