Remembering the Burnden Park tragedy: A Family’s Heartbreaking Loss

In the aftermath of World War Two, Richard Roby longed to witness one of England’s football legends in action. On March 9, 1946, he convinced his father, Thomas, to accompany him to Burnden Park for a match that would tragically change their lives forever.

Key Highlights

• Richard and Thomas Roby were among 33 people who lost their lives in the disaster at Burnden Park.
• Over 85,000 fans flocked to a stadium designed for only 20,000, leading to a catastrophic crush.
• Commemoration events continue to honor the victims, ensuring their memory is not forgotten.
• Stanley Matthews, the match’s star player, was profoundly affected by the tragedy, attending memorials and supporting the victims’ families.

The match featured Stanley Matthews playing for Stoke City against Bolton Wanderers, attracting an overwhelming crowd. With excitement buzzing in the air, the Robys made a pact: if they could go to the match, Richard would help his father on his allotment the following day. Little did they know that this agreement would lead to devastating consequences.

Richard’s granddaughter, Susan Basnett, reflected on the tragedy, saying, “It was devastating and the family never got over it.” Thomas’s widow succumbed to grief just two years later. Susan recounted how her mother and grandmother waited for hours, hoping Thomas and Richard would return from the match, only to be met with silence as darkness fell.

“Both my mother and grandmother lived with the memory of that day, even as they struggled with dementia in later life,” Susan shared. “The tragedy has left an indelible mark on our family.” In a recent memorial service held by Bolton Wanderers, Susan expressed gratitude that the community continues to remember the 33 victims, emphasizing the importance of honoring those lost in such tragedies.

Mark Barnes, whose grandfather Harry Needham was among the deceased, described the silence surrounding the tragedy within his family. “I was 12 when I learned about my granddad’s death; it was a shock to discover why my mom had a different last name than my nan,” he recalled. The family often reminisced about how people assumed he went out for a drink after the match but never returned home.

In a poignant moment, Mark met Sir Stanley Matthews at a memorial service. “He was so gracious and took time for everyone, especially the families of the victims,” Mark said, noting Matthews’s commitment to remembering those who lost their lives that day. The legendary player was deeply affected by the events, recalling the distressing scene of body bags and the haunting memories that lingered long after the match.

Sam Bradley-Green, a Bolton season ticket holder and author, sees parallels between the Burnden Park disaster and the Hillsborough tragedy of 1989. “Both incidents involved overcrowding and inadequate preparations by authorities,” he stated. “It’s astonishing how little was said about Burnden Park, especially given the context of the time.” Sam’s research into the disaster revealed that many fans had come solely to see Matthews play, leading to a fatal crush due to the unexpected turnout.

As we remember the Burnden Park disaster, it’s crucial to reflect on the lessons learned about safety and the importance of honoring the memories of those lost. The tragedy, often overshadowed by others, should never be forgotten.

FAQ

What happened at the Burnden Park tragedy?
The Burnden Park tragedy occurred on March 9, 1946, when a crush at an FA Cup match resulted in the deaths of 33 people and injuries to 400 others.

How did the tragedy affect the families involved?
Families of the victims suffered long-term emotional impacts, with many never fully recovering from their loss. Memorial events continue to honor their memories.

Who was Stanley Matthews?
Stanley Matthews was a legendary English footballer who played for Stoke City and was deeply affected by the Burnden Park disaster, often attending memorials.

How does the Burnden Park disaster compare to Hillsborough?
Both tragedies involved overcrowding and inadequate safety measures, leading to significant loss of life and raising questions about crowd control in football.

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