The Tragic Rugby Air Disaster: Remembering the Llandow Crash of 1950

The Fateful Day

On March 12, 1950, a plane carrying jubilant rugby fans from Ireland to Wales met with disaster just short of its destination at Llandow Airfield in the Vale of Glamorgan. The Avro Tudor aircraft, named Star Girl, crashed, killing 80 of the 83 people on board. This tragic event remains one of the worst air disasters in history.

The Victims

Among the victims were Dai Hawkins and his wife Kathleen, who had recently married and were on their honeymoon. The couple had saved £10 each for the trip, adding an element of excitement to their journey. The crash left families devastated, with many never recovering from the loss.

The Aftermath

The crash had a profound impact on the small village of Llanharan, where seven of the victims were linked to the local rugby club. The community was left in shock, and the club struggled to come to terms with the tragedy. The disaster also affected Abercarn, where four members of the local rugby club lost their lives.

The Investigation

An investigation later revealed that the plane may have been overloaded, with extra baggage not being weighed. This finding added to the sense of tragedy, as it suggested that the disaster could have been prevented.

The Survivors

Incredibly, three people survived the crash. Handel Rogers, who later became president of the Welsh Rugby Union, and his brother-in-law Gwyn Anthony were seated at the back of the plane. Mel Thomas, from Llanharan RFC, was in the toilet at the time of impact and survived with little memory of the accident.

The Legacy

The disaster is remembered on the badges of both Llanharan and Abercarn RFCs. To mark the 75th anniversary, an RAF flypast and a memorial event were held at the crash site. The story of the Llandow crash continues to be passed down through generations, ensuring that the memory of those lost is never forgotten.