The disaster at Munich shook the football world. However, four victims of the disaster had no formal role within the sport. For many, the names Cable, Miklos, Rayment and Satinoff mean very little. However, they will always be remembered as a part of United’s family, and their loss a sad part of the club’s heritage.
TOM CABLE
Chief Steward
After beginning his time in the air with the RAF, Tommy Cable had gained 12 years flying experience, and the rank of Sergeant, before he joined British European Airways. At BEA he worked his way up to become Chief Steward, a well-respected and familiar face with regular passengers including the Manchester United team. However, by the time of the ill-fated trip to Belgrade, family-man Cable was beginning to consider leaving BEA, to follow a career with his feet firmly on the ground.
BELA MIKLOS
Travel Agent
Little is known about travel agent and political emigrant Bela Miklos. Originally from Hungary, Miklos was charged with organising and preparing the trip to Belgrade. It was he who enlisted Nebojsa Tomasevic, a Yugoslavian diplomat living in the UK, to be the team’s guide to the communist state. Tomasevic would later remember that Miklos’ love of his native Hungary remained strong, the latter weeping as familiar music was played in Belgrade’s cafes, echoing the spirit of his home. Miklos was travelling with his wife, Eleanor, who survived the disaster.
CAPTAIN KEN RAYMENT
Co-Pilot
Friend and colleague of survivor Captain James Thain, Captain Rayment had flown in North Africa during the Second World War. His ability and courage had seen him mentioned in dispatches, as well as earning him the Distinguished Flying Cross. When the conflict came to an end, Rayment joined British European Airways and became one of their most experienced and capable pilots. The previous season, Rayment had flown the Manchester United squad to Bilbao, but was co-pilot for the trip to Belgrade following an operation. Taking the controls for the return flight, it was Rayment who was in charge as the aircraft failed to take off. Air stewardess, Rosemary Cheverton, remembered seeing Rayment following the crash “
The final casualty of the disaster, Captain Ken Rayment died five weeks after the crash.
WILLIE SATINOFF
Supporter
After assuming joint control of his family’s raincoat business following the Second World War, local entrepreneur, Willie Satinoff became a regular on the Manchester social scene. It was here that he met Matt Busby and became a close friend of the United manager. A sports fanatic who played football and tennis, as well as owning a racehorse, Satinoff could soon be found wherever United were playing, and travelled with them on their overseas adventures. A hot tip to become a director of the club, Satinoff’s was the first ‘Munich funeral’, attended by hundreds.