Welsh rugby today pays tribute to the memory of 80 passengers and crew who died in an aeroplane crash involving a homeward bound flight from an Ireland versus Wales international match 60 years ago.
The Llandow Air Disaster happened on March the 12th 1950 when an Avro-Tudor aircraft ploughed into a field on the outskirts of Cardiff during an approach to land.
The flight was packed with homeward bound Welsh rugby fans celebrating a six points to three Triple Crown win by John Gwilliam’s Wales team which went on to win the Grand Slam.
At the time the crash was the worst in aviation history and its scale cast a shadow over the whole of Welsh rugby which is still recalled in communities across Wales.
Those memories are perhaps most poignant poignant in the Welsh rugby heartlands and clubs where friends and teammates who travelled to Dublin for match weekend lost their lives.
Communities such at Llanharan, Abercarn and Risca were profoundly affected with groups of friends and players who perished.
The Llanharan rugby club crest now contains a black cross and the Abercarn badge includes an aeroplane propeller to commemorate the disaster.
All three clubs have wall plaques recalling the disaster which now defined the memory of that fateful season.
The crash happened just 60 yards from the outskirts of the Llandow ( Glamorgan) aerodrome which was then used for civil flights.
When Wales played France at Cardiff Arms Park later the same month in that year there was a minutes silence at five buglers played the last post before kick off.
Of the 83 people on board the flight only three survived and nearly half the passengers were from the valleys of south east Wales.
One man who survived the crash was Handel Rogers who went on to become a great servant of Llanelli Rugby Club and in 1976 was made President of the Welsh Rugby Union.
Today a permanent memorial plaque stands near the scene where the accident happened.
The President of the Welsh Rugby Union, Dennis Gethin, said:”It is important for all of us to spend a moment or two recalling the Llandow Air Disaster.
“So many of the people who died are still remembered by friends and relatives who will, quite simply, never forget.
“The continuing respect shown by the members of the rugby clubs who lost either individuals or groups of supporters is particularly strong.
“Welsh rugby fans are still known around the world for their loyalty to the team, knowledge of the game and enthusiasm for sport.
“For all of us who love the game of rugby the Llandow Air Disaster is recalled with sadness and respect.”
