Horwich pays tribute to victims of 1958 Winter Hill air disaster

Horwich residents gathered (on Friday) to remember those who lost their lives in the 1958 tragedy.

On that fateful morning, a Manchester-bound Silver City Airways flight from the Isle of Man crashed into Winter Hill on the moors, killing 35 people.

The plane disintegrated on impact, leaving only the tail section recognisable.

Most of those on board were motor traders travelling to the Exide battery factory at Clifton Junction, and only seven survived.

Members of Horwich Rotary Club were among the first on the scene and played a key role in the rescue efforts, digging through 6ft snowdrifts to reach the injured.

Winter Hill Air Crash, Horwich Heritage

To mark the anniversary, Mayor of Horwich Cllr Victoria Rigby joined Revd David Griffiths, Horwich Heritage, the Rotary Club of Horwich and residents, for a small wreath-laying service.

The service is an annual reminder not only of those who lost their lives, but also of the sterling efforts of the emergency services and Horwich residents who came to help.

On the misty morning, Revd David Griffiths led the memorial, as he has done on many previous anniversaries.

“On this day in 1958, 68 years ago, it was a terrible and bleak day, aptly named Winter Hill,” he began.

“We have come together on this anniversary to remember before God and commend to His sure keeping those whose memory is treasured.

“Rotarians from Douglas, Isle of Man, are also meeting today to remember those who were killed.

“In May, when they come over to share in Horwich Rotary’s Charter Night, they will lay another wreath here.

“Many lost loved ones when the Bristol 170 Wayfarer careered into the hill in atrocious weather conditions.

“The badly cut first officer, William Howarth, managed to free himself and crawl through the snow and mist to the mast to raise the alarm.

Revd David Griffiths leading the service (Image: NQ)

“We recall this tragedy, which claimed the lives of 35 representatives of the Manx motor trade, and the courageous actions of the emergency services and people from Horwich who rushed to help.

“It has become part of our local history, and Horwich Heritage holds an annual exhibition.

“John Sanderson, licensee of the Jolly Crofters and a member of Horwich Rotary Club, was among those involved.

“Alongside Jack Speight, sub-postmaster, and John Shawcross, he drove up George’s Lane to join quarry workers clearing snow so rescue vehicles could reach the site.

“The Wesleyan Methodist Chapel on Victoria Road became a mortuary, and people of Horwich still remember 9.45am on that terrible snowy day.”

Those present observed a silent prayer as wreaths were laid.

Mayor of Horwich Cllr Victoria Rigby, Revd David Griffiths, Horwich Heritage, the Rotary Club of Horwich and residents (Image: NQ)

Stuart Whittle of Horwich Heritage spoke of the memorial’s continued significance.

“It’s always a poignant moment when we come to this wild and often wet site to remember the tragedy of that day,” he said.

“Sixty-eight years is a long time, but we still remember.

“It’s a great credit to Horwich Rotary that they have kept the flame of remembrance alive for all these years.

“It’s our duty to pass this on to future generations.

“They must understand the heartache and hardship suffered by the community in the Isle of Man, as well as the heroism of the emergency services and the people of Horwich.

“It is incumbent on us to carry that flame forward year on year for the benefit of those who died.”

The Winter Hill transmitter (Image: NQ)

Cllr Rigby thanked those in attendance and praised the work of Horwich Heritage and the Rotary Club of Horwich.

Rotary Club president Phil Jones said a memorial was taking place in Douglas at the same time.

District governor Edwin Partridge spoke about Howard Callow, an Isle of Man Rotarian whose father was killed in the disaster, and the continuing link between the two clubs.

On Saturday, February 28, Horwich Heritage Centre will show the Winter Hill Air Disaster DVD at 10.30am and 2.30pm.