Tommy Taylor (29^th January 1932 to 6^th February 1958)

Here I am at the headstone of Tommy Taylor, a footballer who died instantly due to slush on an airport runway. He was one of the “Busby Babes” Manchester United football team,

Tommy was born not far from this grave in Smithies, one of six children. He started working at the local colliery playing football for the works team. He didn’t work down the pits for long though as at just 16 local scouts spotted him. At 17 he started playing for Barnsley. In his second match he scored a hat-trick.

He carried on playing while serving in the British Army. Though Tommy was a big goal-scorer Barnsley could not ascend to the First Division league. He soon found himself there though having been transferred to Manchester United for £29,999. Matt Busby did not want Tommy to feel burdened by being “a £30,000 player” so he took a £1 note from his wallet and handed it to the lady who had been serving sea during the negotiations.

He scored twice in his first game and many more after - so many he lead the team to league titles in 1956 and 1957. This Rooney-type goal scorer, especially adept in the air, was sought by many other clubs. Matt Busby refused a £65,000 offer for him, a fortune in those days that would have broken transfer records.

Tommy played for England too replacing Nat Lofthouse. However the fairy tale ended one 3pm on a slushy runway in Germany. He died instantly in the crash aged just 26 leaving behind his bride-to-be Carol.

Looking looking looking…

In 2015…..and in 1958?...

Tommy died instantly when the plane failed to take off in slush…

It’s a miracle some survived…

As I left the cemetery I saw two war graves close together. One died at 19 and the other –a little luckier – lasted till 29…