Blue Plaque unveiled to honour Tom Curry who died in Munich air disaster

Debbie Manley | 5th February 2018

A Blue Plaque has been unveiled outside the former home Manchester United trainer Tom Curry, who died in the Munich air disaster on 6 February 1958.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary, Trafford Council approved the Blue Plaque on the semi-detached in Bedford Road, to honour Tom.

Tom lived with his family at the house from 1934 until his untimely death, along with 22 other people who also tragically lost their lives.

Most of the young Manchester United players, nicknamed the Busby Babes after their manager Sir Matt Busby,  lived nearby in digs, just a short walking distance to Old Trafford and often had their tea with Tom and his family.

Tom’s granddaughters, Jennie Dixon and Liz Esser unveiled the Blue Plaque, watched by other members of his family, friends and Manchester United fans, as well as former Busby Babe Alan Wardle, comedian Justin Moorhouse, singer Rowetta, actor James Quinn (Early Doors), Martin Moscrop from A Certain Ratio.

Tom was on the plane with the Manchester United team as they returned from a European Cup match against Red Star Belgrade. They had stopped in Munich to refuel and crashed on the third attempt after hitting slush on the runway.

Eight Manchester United players died as a result of the crash – Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Coleman, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor, Liam “Billy” Whelan and Duncan Edwards, who survived the crash but died in hospital 15 days later.

The other two members of staff died in the crash – club secretary Walter Crickmer and chief coach Bert Whalley.

Eight journalists also died – Alf Clarke (Manchester Evening Chronicle), Donny Davies (Manchester Guardian), George Follows (Daily Herald), Tom Jackson (Manchester Evening News), Archie Ledbrooke (Daily Mirror), Henry Rose (Daily Express), Eric Thompson (Daily Mail) and Frank Swift (News of the World, who was a former Manchester City and England goalkeeper).

Aircraft captain Ken Rayment, fellow crew member Tom Cable, travel agent Bela Miklos and supporter Willie Satinoff, a friend of United manager Sir Matt Busby, were also victims of the terrible tragedy.

Photographs below by Paul Husband.

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Martin Moscrop (A Certain Ratio), Charlie and Alison Bell and RowettaCharlie Bell pays tribute to Manchester United trainer Tom CurryThe unveiling attracted fans and mediaTom Curry's family unveil the blue plaque outside his former home.Early Doors actor James QuinnTom Curry remembered.Tom Curry remembered.Tom Curry's familyTom Curry's family the blue plaque unveiling outside his former home.A crowd of family, friends and dans gathered to watch the plaque unveilingTom Curry remembered.Tony Husband, Liam Walsh and Sally Williams.Tom Curry remembered.The visitors' book.The visitors' book.A crowd of family, friends and dans gathered to watch the plaque unveilingA crowd of family, friends and dans gathered to watch the plaque unveilingTom Curry's family the blue plaque unveiling outside his former home.Tom Curry's family the blue plaque unveiling outside his former home.Alan Wardle, chairman of the Association of Former Manchester United PlayersA crowd of family, friends and dans gathered to watch the plaque unveilingComedian Justin Moorhouse in front of the Tom Curry plaqueTom Curry's family the blue plaque unveiling outside his former home.A crowd of family, friends and dans gathered to watch the plaque unveilingCharlie Bell being interviewed.Tom Curry remembered.Tom Curry 1894-1958