bbc.co.uk

Tribute to 'Busby Babe' killed in Munich disaster

A group of people gathered outdoors under a large black canopy on a wet, rainy day. They are standing in a semicircle around a memorial stone set into the paved ground. Many of the attendees are wearing coats, scarves, and umbrellas can be seen in the background, suggesting cold or rainy weather. Some people appear to be holding programs or personal items, and a few are using walking sticks. The memorial stone on the ground is clearly visible at the center of the gathering.Barnsley Council

Victoria Scheer

in Wombwell

The sporting legacy of a Manchester United footballer who was killed in the Munich air disaster has been honoured on the anniversary of his death.

Mark Jones, from Wombwell, and seven teammates were among 23 people killed when their plane crashed during take-off in the German city on 6 February 1958.

His daughter, Lynn Hargreaves, who was born months after his death, unveiled a memorial stone dedicated to the centre-half in Wombwell town centre on Friday.

She said: "Sadly, I never knew my dad, but my mum told me and my brother Gary all about him and he was a legend to me."

Jones signed for Manchester United as an apprentice, making 103 league appearances in defence and winning two league titles.

The seven other United players who died in the crash were Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Duncan Edwards, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor and Liam Whelan.

They were considered some of the most talented young players and were known as the "Busby Babes".

An old black‑and‑white photograph printed on textured paper. Mark Jones' hair is neatly styled and brushed back. The background is plain and slightly grainy.Barnsley Council

On Friday, dozens of Wombell residents and football supporters gathered outside The Horseshoe pub in High Street to celebrate the unveiling.

Hargreaves said she was "proud" and "overwhelmed" to see the memorial stone unveiled after years of campaigning.

Describing her father as a "big, giant gentleman", she said: "Everybody loved him. Everybody knew him.

"[It was] like living with a legend."

The image shows a stone memorial plaque set into the ground. The plaque is rectangular and bordered by smooth stone tiles. The inscription pays tribute to Mark Jones, noting his connection to Wombwell and his role as one of Manchester United’s Busby Babes. It explains that he died at the age of 24 in the Munich Air Disaster in February 1958. The plaque also states that he is remembered as a local sporting hero and that his contribution will always be valued by the Wombwell community.Victoria Scheer/BBC

Robin Franklin, Barnsley Council's cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, described Jones as "one of Wombwell's greatest sporting heroes".

"It is only fitting that Mark's achievements are recognised at the heart of the community where he was born and grew up," he said.

"I'm pleased we have been able to help ensure his memory lives on."

Wombwell ward councillor James Higginbottom said the memorial was "a small gesture on our part", but would make "an enormous difference" to the family as well as the Wombwell community.

Ifty Ahmed, chair of the Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation, said the tribute rightly connected Jones' local roots and his place in Manchester United's history.

"By marking this site, Wombwell ensures that Mark's story remains visible, understood and remembered by future generations," Ahmed said.

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