Duncan Edwards book of remembrance to be flown over to Munich

It comes as it was revealed the book – Dudley’s Tribute To Duncan – is being taken to Munich.

It will be handed over as part of the poignant commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the air disaster in the German city.

Manchester United and England legend Duncan, who came from Dudley, was one of eight players who tragically died from injuries sustained in the Munich air disaster on February 6, 1958.

He died 15 days later on February 21, aged just 21.

The book will be taken to Munich by Rose Cook-Monk and Andy Monk, who are board members of the newly-formed Duncan Edwards Foundation.

Flying out on Sunday February 4th with around 1,000 Manchester United supporters, they will visit two of the nurses who looked after Duncan at the time of the crash and see the opening of a memorial garden on the airfield, which is now disused.

The book will be presented to the minister of the Church of St Peter near Manchesterplatz, a street near the airport named in honour of the club following the disaster. It will go on public display there.

The book is currently in situ as part of an exhibition celebrating Duncan’s life at Dudley Archives in Tipton Road. Thirteen pages of signatures, tributes and memories have already been penned – and fans have just over a week to get along and add theirs if they have not already.

It will be collected from the archives on the morning of Thursday February 1st by Rose and taken to Dudley Council House to be signed by chief executive Sarah Norman and leader of the council, Councillor Patrick Harley.

Rose Cook-Monk, of the Duncan Edwards Foundation, said: “As a founder of the Duncan Edwards Foundation, we are proud to be representing our home town in Munich to remember Duncan Edwards.”

Councillor Dave Tyler, Mayor of Dudley, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many people have already put pen to paper in this book, with some really lovely messages about a player who clearly meant so much to so many.

“I would urge people who want to sign it but haven’t already to get down there in the next week or so. It would be great to see every page full before it goes over to Munich.”

A number of events will take place in his hometown to mark the anniversary.The extended exhibition honouring the footballer will be in place for three months at the site near the Black Country Living Museum.

The archives, which are normally open on Sunday, will be open especially from midday to 2pm on Sunday, February 18, as part of the commemoration. It will tie in with a special service of remembrance on the same day at St Francis’s Church, where there are two stained glass windows celebrating Duncan’s life.

Around 80 Manchester United fans are expected to travel from the city on the day for the service and to visit the museum, as well as visiting Duncan’s grave at Queen’s Cross cemetery and stopping off at his statue in the town centre.

A special wall of remembrance is also being set up at the church, where Duncan’s funeral was held, for visitors. They will tell the story of his life, from his childhood to his days playing for the Red Devils and England, and is due to be unveiled the week beginning February 12.

People will be able to follow the Munich commemorations by joining the public Facebook group “And Then Came Munich – The Story of Duncan Edwards”.

Anyone looking for information about any of the events, or the work of the Duncan Edwards Foundation, can email Rose on rosecook69@hotmail.co.uk