22 - Hundreds pay tribute to Duncan Edwards

 

The council’s official service to celebrate the life and achievements of the Manchester United and England star who died following the Munich Air Disaster, was attended by people from all over the country.

 

Manchester United Football Club were represented by director, Maurice Watkins while family members of Duncan were also at the ceremony which was held at Duncan’s statue in Market Place from 11am.

 

The service to mark the occasion was led by the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor David Stanley and Rev Geoff Johnston from St Francis’ Church, Laurel Road, which was Duncan’s parish church. The service included an address from Rev Johnston, hymns, a bible reading, wreath layings and a minute’s applause to celebrate Duncan’s life.

 

Duncan Edwards died on February 21 1958 of injuries sustained in the Munich Air Disaster 15 days earlier. The former Manchester United and England star was one of 23 people to die following the air disaster on February 6 1958. Duncan was one of eight Manchester United players to lose their lives in the accident.

 

Duncan was born in Dudley on October 1 1936 and throughout his short life spoke of his pride at being an ambassador for the town wherever his football career took him.

“The service was certainly a fitting tribute to Duncan. I was delighted that so many people turned out to show their respects to one of Dudley’s true heroes.

“Duncan will always be remembered by people in Dudley as well as those further afield across the country and indeed the world.”

“It was an absolute pleasure to come to Dudley and lay a wreath on behalf of Manchester United. I believe the thanksgiving service was a fitting tribute to Duncan.”

A further event to commemorate Duncan’s life is planned to take place in Dudley on Saturday June 7. Details of the event will be released closer to the time but will include a football tournament which will be held at Castle High School.

During his short, but illustrious career between 1952 and 1958, Edwards made 175 appearances for United, scoring 21 goals and winning two league championships. He also won 18 England caps.