This blog is an archive of photographs and articles which the author has kept over the years regarding to the crash of Turkish Airlines DC-10, “Ankara” on Sunday, March 3rd, 1974. It finally brings closure to a subject as fascinating in its circumstances.
The website is a place for visitors to comment or submit information about the accident. The blog is not aimed to rehash what is already known about the Turkish crash, but it is a place for historic remembrance to the victims and families who are still affected today by the tragic event.
For the passengers and crew of flight 981, registration TC-JAV, their lives were not given in vain as unsettling as they were taken. Their sacrifice, since then has made air travel much safer for millions of passengers.
To remember and understand, the conditions of the accident. This site will provide a forum and an exchange in preparation for the organization of an Association of Families of Victims of Flight THY-981 (leave a message or comment, and we will contact you, or email at bdruesne@orange.fr ).
It should be noted that a transcript of the official French report can be viewed under Rapport 1 to 5. For English readers the official English report has been upload. The report gives you a detailed account not documented with any other articles regarding the crash.
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Ce blog est une archive de photos et d’articles soigneusement collectés et relatifs à la catastrophe aérienne du 3 mars 1974 (le DC-10 n°29, baptisé “Ankara”).
Ce site est un lieu ouvert aux visiteurs pour consulter, commenter et/ou fournir des informations sur ce dramatique accident. L’objectif de ce site ne vise pas à réécrire l’histoire sur ce drame, mais il est un lieu de mémoire, dédié aux victimes et aux familles qui sont toujours, aujourd’hui encore, directement touchés par ce tragique événement.
Pour les passagers et membres d’équipage du vol THY981, immatriculé TC-JAV, leurs vies n’ont pas été donnés en vain. De cette tragédie, le transport aérien est devenu plus sûr pour des millions de passagers.
Nous souhaitons également que ce site, et son blog, permettent aux familles touchées par ce drame de garder, ou de nouer, un contact entre elles.
Pour savoir et se souvenir, ensemble, ce site pourra servir de lieu d’échange pour l’animation de l’Association des Familles des Victimes du Vol THY-981 (laisser un message ou un commentaire, ou envoyer un email à bdruesne@orange.fr ).
Rapport Final: De la Commission d’ Enquête sur l’accident de l’avion DC-10 TC-JAV des Turkish Airlines
Bruno Druesne All Rights Reserved
Path to Ermenonville, Paris 
238 comments
Comments feed for this article
February 16, 2008 at 7:30 pm
antony
Was following this accident for years and was wondering if any of the pilots immediate family are still alive and can give their accounts
March 7, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Rob
Fantastic effort. This tragic incident has been a respectful fascination for me for many years and I’m pleased to see it recognised here.
For your information, there is a new documentary on the crash called ‘Behind Close Doors’ here airing on Mar 10th 2008.
http://natgeochannel.co.uk/photos/?id_m=142
Also, here is a YouTube link to a documentary on the crash from the UK made in 1996. It shows the memorial and has contributions from people involved, and is very moving.
Once again, thank you.
March 8, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Richard Bolai
Dear Rob,
Thank you for your remarks and to the link to the documentary. I do suspect the episode to be aired on National Geographic may favor towards sensationalism. No dramatized scenario can reflect on the shear panic the crew and passengers of TC-JAC experienced. They lost their very lives.
March 9, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Rob
Thank you Richard
I would add I have no connection with either link and have the greatest respect to your judgement and, of course, to the memories of those who perished.
May I also suggest for your reference section a book with an excellent and comprehensive account of the incidents cause, effect and ramifications to air travel. ‘Air Disaster Vol 1’ by Macarthur Job. ISBN: 1875671110.
June 3, 2008 at 10:10 am
Stephen
Is there a passenger list of the victims? I know that the Bury St. Edmunds Amateur Rugby Club Team were on board; also, some models and I think, a group of pensioners on a trip. I was 8 when this happened. I can remember the ITN evening news report, even to the presenter and the whole sombre atmosphere that evening and beyond. There was a documentary made not long afterwards, which went out on ITV (in England) and had contributions from (distraught) relatives. Very emotional and haunting. I could never, ever see a DC10 again without thinking of the Parish crash – and I still can’t.
October 11, 2013 at 9:12 am
Cathy Withers
My mother was in that documentary and I remember travelling to the studios with her when it was made, though sadly I have never seen the documentary itself and haven’t been able to find trace of it on the internet. It is something I would like to see.
June 4, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Richard Bolai
The passenger list is been prepared. There is a quote from the Bury St. Edmunds Amateur Rugby Club Team
The Club went from strength to strength until tragedy struck with the loss of 18 members of the Club in a plane crash. They lost their lives on a Club trip to Paris. Understandably it took the Bury St. Edmunds R.F.C. and the Town many years to recover.
December 10, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Didier
Désolé, mais je ne suis pas doué en langue Anglaise.
Merci aux créateurs de ce site qui sans jamais être gratuitement morbide malgrés les documents violents, retrace en détails les instants de cette catastrophe. Je travaillais à cette époque à Orly et ce terrible drame m’a douloureusement choqué.
A toutes fins utiles, il existe un livre très sérieux sur la catastrophe d’Ermenonville dont voici les indications :
Titres : Les 9 dernières minutes
Auteur : Moira Johnston (écrit en 1976)
Editeur : Belfond (Paris) 1977 version française
Format : 15×24 – 251 pages
Ce livre ne se trouve sans doute plus que d’occasion. Je l’ai moi même acheté d’occasion il y a une vingtaine d’année.
Il retrace en détail, le dernier jour et instant du vol 981, puis toute la suite juridique qui en découla.
Autre renseignement : Les victimes de ce drame reposent au cimetière parisien de Thiais près d’Orly ( banlieue sud de Paris).
January 7, 2009 at 1:48 am
Brian Robinson
Hi, my Godfather Tony Price age 39 was a passenger on THY981.
I was only 13 in 1974 and I still think about him very often, Tony did’nt have any Children of his own so he treated my Sister & myself as if we were his own Children.
He was my Fathers closest friend & was asked to be our Godfather because of his close friendship to our Family.
He was a very kind & thoughtful Man who took the role of being our Godfather very seriously.
Because Tony never Married or had his own Children I don’t think anyone else living remembers him now. But I do and I’ll never forget him, he was and still is my Godfather.
Thankyou for giving me this opportunity to leave my thoughts and respect here for him.
Brian.
May 31, 2022 at 8:40 pm
bexmiddleton
Hi Brian,
I came across Antony Price’s grave stone in Wyke, and my research lead me here. It’s 2022 now, and although your comment was in 2009 – I do hope you see this and are well.
Please get back to me if you see this.
Bex.
January 7, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Richard Bolai
Dear Brian, thank you on your comment over your godfather, this is a place of healing to which many people are still affected, I would really like to introduce a page where one can submit a photograph detailing a note about their lives. This will give them the respect from their untimely and sudden passing. You can contact Bruno Druesne as he has formed an Association of Families of the Victims of the tragedy
bdruesne@wanadoo.fr
Thank you,
Richard Bolai
February 5, 2009 at 3:28 am
Harry Tam III
I was in grade 9 when this regrettable accident occurred. I recall reading about it in the paper. I regret for all the precious people who lost their lives, but for some reason I grieve especially for the college students and those younger. To this day, I remain heartbroken for the horror that everyone on board experienced as the tragedy unfolded. Words fail me. I hope to meet as many of these dear people as possible when the Lord calls.
February 18, 2009 at 4:14 am
Denise Bennett
I was in Sinop, Turkey (my husband was in the US Army at the time)when Flight 981 crashed. We were at our landlord’s house listening to the radio, when our landlord’s daughter got excited and told us about the crash. At first they reported it to be sabotage.
Days later the daughter had a magazine she bought abput the crash with lots of photos. One headline said “Bloody Forrest”, above a photo.
My husband had flown a THY DC-10 from Istanbul to Adana a couple months before. I always wondered if it had been the same plane.
I wish now I had bought copies of the magazine and newspapers on the crash, altho I couldn’t read them.
I would like to correspond with anyone who is interested in the crash, if anyone is interested.
It was such a horrendous tragedy, made more real by the fact we were in Turkey at the time.
February 18, 2009 at 4:15 am
Denise Bennett
I forgot to include my e-mail address in my letter above: dbennett5555@comcast.net
February 21, 2009 at 12:00 am
Richard Bolai
Dear Denise,
Turkish Airlines had acquired three DC-10 -10s, the likelihood that your husband flew on one of their fleets. There is a curiosity over this craft as I just came across a brochure showcasing this aircraft from 1973. It reads, Ce que c’est que voyager a bord de l’avion de plaisance DC-10 THY / What is it like to travel on board THY airplane of pleasure DC-10. Ominous in every respect because it shows inside TC-JAV. The orange upholstery is daunting
February 21, 2009 at 3:31 am
Harry Tam III
The front of the jacket of the book, DESTINATION DISASTER, features a color photo of a few of the seats that were hurled out of the TC-JAV on Mar 3 ’74. These were some of the seats over the left rear cargo door that were sucked out. The bodies had been removed, but you can see the orange upholstery of the seats. It’s a haunting photo that is difficult to erase from the mind. The seats in the photo are still partially buried in the soft soil of the field they landed in. (I understand that the field had just been tilled, so the soil was somewhat soft and spongy, as opposed to being hard-packed). If I remember correctly, there was a small teddy bear lying near the seats, presumably from one of the children on the flight. That adds to the poignancy of this terrible tragedy. My sympathy to all who lost loved ones on flight 981, and I am heartbroken for everyone who was on the flight.
May 16, 2011 at 2:16 am
Roberto
Not sure that those are the seats of the THY 981, since a similar picture is in this website and the seat is orange but another style of coach seat.
March 3, 2009 at 11:32 pm
mike arnstein
Thirty five years to the day I still remember with great love my girlfriend Kailan Wilcox, daughter of Wayne Wilcox (Cultural Attache to the American Embasssy in London) who died on that fateful day. All my love forever. Mike
September 21, 2011 at 2:32 pm
Terrance
I knew her when I was a child; My family was close friends with the Wilcoxes in New Rochelle, NY.
March 19, 2018 at 10:51 pm
anne downing
Kailan Wilcox was my Grade 9 lab partner in science class at The American School in London when she died. She was one of a kind. I’ll never forget her, and I’ll never forget the phone call from a friend on the last day of our spring/ski break saying people from our school were thought to have died in the crash. A terrible time. So very sad for you, Mike. Unforgettable.
March 19, 2018 at 11:24 pm
anne downing
oops–that was in Grade 10, not 9…
March 26, 2018 at 8:40 pm
Mike Arnstein
Hi Anne be great to get in touch
March 4, 2009 at 12:24 am
Richard Bolai
Dear Mike,
Thank you for remembering on the anniversary of a terrible day where your friend and her family lost their lives. May her passing be a reminder of her sacrifice she so fought clearly to live.
March 16, 2009 at 9:58 am
IsarSteve
A friend of Mine Keith Madge, his partner Peter Walsh, as well as his mother Mrs Joyce Hope were on the flight.
I think I heard once that Mrs Hope was one of the six passengers who were expelled from the aircraft..
I’ve written something about Keith on my blog here:
http://www.isarsteve.de/?p=903
March 16, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Richard Bolai
Dear Steve,
Your words posted on the link above is a reminder about loved and of your fond memory to keep Keith Madge alive more evident every March 3rd. His life was taken without regard on a airplane that had no soul thus taking unwilling the lives whose death shall be remembered for eternity.- His passing was swift and harmless.
March 22, 2009 at 2:29 am
candace wilson culp
Hello,
By chance I put my old friends name onto google thinking maybe one day a photo would pop up and suddenly I am at your web site. My friend was Pamela Sheel. Her photo appeared in the London Times after the accident and I always wished I had a copy of the picture.
I don’t think I’ve ever gotten over the shock of her death, I didn’t know that she was on that airplane until many, many months later when a postcard I had sent her was received by her mother and she wrote to tell me the dreadful news…. She was a generous and loving young woman.
Candace Wilson Culp, USA
March 23, 2009 at 12:25 am
Richard Bolai
Dear Candace,
It is indeed my wish to have photographs and a short biography as part of this website. But it really boils down to the love and care which many readers like yourself express. Pamela Sheel’s death however came with great panic, she realized the end so faithfully, (God) knew why
March 26, 2009 at 11:29 am
Angela Walker
Dear Candace,
Pamela Sheel was my schoolfriend. I agree with everything you say about her; she was a really lovely person – warm, kind, and funny, and I too have never forgotten her.
I have the photo you mention from The Times, and would be happy to send you a copy.
Best wishes,
Angela.
March 26, 2009 at 3:03 pm
candace wilson culp
Dear Angela,
How kind you are…would you please email me as I don’t know how to contact you through this website (Richard Bofal just emailed me this morning to tell me of your response).
Really a copy of her photo would mean so much to me. Also I could tell you more about our brief friendship if you wish.
candace.culp@gmail.com
Thank you, candace
April 6, 2009 at 9:40 am
IsarSteve
I wrote above about Keith Madge and mentioned my blog:
http://www.isarsteve.de/?p=903
At the time I wrote that, I didn’t have a photographic record of Keith.
I now have been given a photograph and have now added it to my blog. For the first time in thirty-five years I can see his face.. and all the hurt of not being able to say a last goodbye to someone who meant much to me comes back..
June 5, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Richard Bolai
This person is willing to get in touch with a family.
“Bonjour,
Ce doit surement être à cause de l’actualité (airbus A330 Rio-Paris) que les souvenirs resurgissent. J’ai perdu ma copine Corinne LERENDU et ses parents dans l’accident du DC10, elle était ma voisine et nous étions proches de la famille. Je me rappelle que les jours précédents leur voyage, je n’avais pas voulu jouer avec elle, nous nous étions un peu chamaillées. Je la vois encore m’appeler et moi faire la sourde oreille. Elle touchait et jouait avec un bout de tuyau qu’elle a lancé dans le champs nous séparant…quand j’ai su plus tard cette catastrophe, j’ai récupéré ce morceau de tuyau, que j’ai reniflé, touché, gardé en espérant qu’il y avait encore dessus un peu d’elle…la famille…plus tard, nous avait rendu visite et nous avait donné tous les jouets, des vêtements….j’étais jeune mais je me suis toujours souvenu de cette petite fille. C’est un message pour sa famille (Corinne habitait à Andresy dans les Yvelines et moi en face de chez elle). Je ne l’ai jamais oubliée…
Nathalie FORT
July 2, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Peter Galloway
Our dear friend Pamela Sheels was a victim of this tragedy. She was 28 and a fashion model. She was on her way home from a photo shoot and since British Air was on strike, she hopped on Turkish Air 981. She was my sister’s room mate in London at the time.
She was a remarkable young lady, beautiful not on n body but in personality also. She had an effervescent demeanor and we were all instantly in love with her.
We still mss her.
September 19, 2009 at 11:29 pm
Nancy Galloway
Hey, bro,
How did you find this? I googled Pam’s name and there it was after all these years. Last year I visited the UK again and met up with two of her closest friends who are now close friends of mine – Alex Anderson and Sarah Rendell. We still remember and love Pam, a wonderful and kind girl and beautiful model to boot.
September 27, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Angela Walker
Dear Peter and Nancy,
Pam was a schoolfriend of mine, (see my earlier comment on 26th March). I would love to hear from any of her other friends, – yourselves or Alex or Sarah, – who might be interested in sharing memories of her. Let me know if so.
Best wishes,
Angela.
April 7, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Tony Hilton
I worked with Pam in 20, Piccadilly at Gevaert (later Agfa-Gevaert) next door to the Piccadilly Hotel, in 1965
I have always felt partly responsible for her death as I (being a photographer) suggested she became a model, and made her first composition sheet for her.
I was in South America when I heard of the tragedy in France, and often wondered if her parents or other family are still around, as I have those wonderful photos of her to this day.
I am now living in Sydney Australia, but will be in the UK in July and August this year.
Hoping to hear from anyone with news
Sincerely
Tony Hilton
April 8, 2010 at 3:07 pm
Richard Bolai
Dear Mr. Hilton,
I am the author of this website. Your comment add to the many to that of Pamela Sheels. This is the email of candace.culp@gmail.com, she was her flat mate. I think she would look forward to this.This site is also a dedication of the people who lost their lives, Would you permit to the site a more flattering portrait of her then that of the newspaper clipping, it would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
Richard Bolai
August 19, 2010 at 11:03 pm
Berny
Votre témoignage est trés émouvant et, 36 ans après me replonge dans des souvenirs douloureux. Ce Dimanche de Mars, j’avais accompagné un amour de jeunesse à Orly afin de prendre le vol BEA pour Londres… mais Martine a pris ce maudit vol et notre histoire s’est terminée aprés un dernier sourire et baiser devant une porte d’embarquement….
Je suis allé plusieurs fois sur le site d’Ermenonville et chaque fois j’ai vu la nature reprendre ses droits, les arbres replantés grandissent chaque année . J’ai eu l’occasion de voler de nombreuses fois sur DC 10 et chaque fois je pensais trés fort à elle et je ne l’ai jamais oubliée.
August 30, 2010 at 12:41 am
Anonymous
On n’oublie jamais un amour… et encore moins dans ces conditions… Je compatis…
September 4, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Anonymous
Bonjour Berny,
Ce site est là pour que tous nous gardions cette mémoire bien vivante, sur un espace enfin défini où chacun peut exprimer ou partager son douloureux souvenir.
Bruno Druesne
Fils de François Druesne (passager THY981) et co-fondateur du site
August 30, 2010 at 12:43 am
Anonymous
C’est vraiment émouvant…
July 15, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Pam Sarsby
I remember Lloyd Lewis, who perished on Flight 981. He was a Sports Reporter for the News of the World returning from a Wales/France match.
His daughter Pat was my friend and I visited his home in Cardiff many times.
I’ve often thought about him, over the years, and would dearly love to meet up with Pat again as we lost touch with each other before her father died.
To all those who lost loved ones in this tragedy, my thoughts are with you.
September 4, 2010 at 4:40 pm
Anonymous
Thank you for your message Pam.
Bruno Druesne
July 18, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Richard Bolai
Two of my friends died in this crash, Bobby Hart and Clark Wilcox. Both just 12 years old. I have fond memories of playing baseball, going to movies and just being in some of the same classes together. Even after all this time, the recent plane crashes (Air France flight 447, etc) bring back the sad and happy memories of childhood to me. I hope investigators learn the causes of such crashes and that the airline industry will be proactive and correct any known problems.
Chris Schappel
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, USA
September 20, 2011 at 8:30 pm
Terrance
Chris, my family was close friends with the Wilcoxes from New Rochelle days and I was Clark’s age. In our house, I first heard the news on the radio and told my father.Quite a shock.
May 1, 2012 at 4:50 pm
James
We were freinds wiht hem in New Rochelle and Mailbu.
February 21, 2017 at 10:23 pm
Eric
Somewhere here is a place to post a photo or two? If so, I will post some of the Harts
July 18, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Richard Bolai
Dear Richard,
I just wanted to write and thank you for the memorial website. I am 39 years old, 40 this year, and I was 4 when my uncle was killed in this disaster – Robert William Wallis.
Your website has answered many of the questions I had in my mind of the event. As with all such things it is often the human element of such disasters that stay with you long after the event itself.
My uncle, who had that week qualified as an architect had taken a trip to Paris – a brief respite from his studies before continuing in his work newly qualified after seven years of study. I can remember my mother coming out into our garden on the sunday(?) telling my dad of the news of the crash that had just come on the television. My dad was was playing football with me and my younger brother at the time. My mother said ‘thank god we don’t know anybody due to travel today’. My uncle was not due to return until the Tuesday. It is that Tuesday that I will remember for the rest of my own life, even though I was just a small boy myself. On that Tuesday afternoon, my brother and I were scrapping on the stairs in our hallway and the phone rang. I can still see now so clearly my mum dropping the phone, screaming and running out of the front door. It had been her father telling my mum that her brother had been on the plane that had crashed. He had taken an earlier flight because of a BEA strike and he feared he wouldn’t get a plane back to London.
Thanks again for all your effort in piecing together lots of information and for such a comprehensive tribute to those who lost their lives.
Best wishes
James Sinclair
March 3, 2010 at 7:17 pm
shirley turkington
Thank you so much for all the work in this website. On this 36th anniversary, like all the others, I often think of my dad who was a passenger on the flight. Desmond Hunt, 47 from Belfast had taken a short break in Istanbul and sadly never came home. I was 18 and my sister 16. Needless to say the event had a devastating effect on our lives. He was a larger than life figure and greatly missed by us and obviously has missed out on so much – our weddings, the birth of his grandchildren and their lives.
My mum went to Paris a few weeks after the accident, just before the mass burial was to take place and fortunately was able to identify a wedding ring which meant we were able to bring him home for a final goodbye.
I visited the memorial a couple of times in the late 70’s with my mum but would love to go back some time with my own family.
Thank you again for all the time you have taken to give so many of us so much to hold on to.
Shirley Turkington
July 12, 2010 at 1:02 pm
Sascha Olofson
Dear Shirley
I am a TV producer in London making a documentary about this accident as part of a bigger series about improvements in the aviation world since 1970’s. I am trying to contact some of the relatives of those who were in the crash and I reach your entry on the forum, and well as some of the other touching entries.
I would very much like to talk to contact you direct. I work for World Media Rights in London and the series is for the channel Discovery.
can you please get in touch on sascha@worldmediarights.com
many thanks
Sascha
07961 124731
September 4, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Anonymous
Dear Shirley,
I am very happy that you and your family get some information and hopefully some friendly contacts in the site. Richard Bolai and myself did this site for that purpose. Many identifications were made by ‘rings’, so it was for my father.
kind regards
Bruno Druesne
July 12, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Jim Kalafus
Here is a link to a pair of professional photos of model Prudence Pratt, lost aboard flight 981:
http://www.modelscomposites.com/getlist.php?list=mod&choice=Prudence+Pratt&year=all
These are far different than the portrait and candid snapshot in The Last Nine Minutes.
The site has literally thousands of photos, and is easily searched by name.
I was unable to find photos of any of the other models. In the case of those who were married, such as Wendy Wheal, they are probably listed under their professional names. And, there are many models who opted to be listed as simply “Pamela” or”Wendy.”
July 13, 2010 at 4:22 am
Jim Kalafus
Hre is a link to a page about victim John Cooper, a former Olympic athlete. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/athletics-heroes/displayhero.asp?HeroID=8034
July 15, 2010 at 7:42 am
Ste
The forest memorial doesn’t contain the names of all the victims. Why is this?
September 4, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Anonymous
Dear Ste,
You are right, and this si something I would like to correct as not acceptable. Reasons for this are not klnown from my side, but of course we can help you in adding any name. Please contact us (our victimes THY981 association) on my email bdruesne@orange.fr.
Kind regards
Bruno Druesne
July 19, 2010 at 12:42 am
Jim Kalafus
Victim Michael Hannah is listed here as model/actor. He can be briefly seen in the sex farce THE SEX THIEF, which opened in April 1974. He plays the chauffeur. He may have done more film work, but his IMDB listing shows only two credits- both available on DVD.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0360302/
September 10, 2010 at 9:58 am
Laura Benson
My brother, Ronnie Smith, was on this flight…my only sibling and, after about 12 moves in our young lives and because of his wonderful sense of fun and humor, my best friend. My parents had spilt up two weeks before this. We were living in London as expats – far away from our extended family back in the States. Ronnie went with treasured friends, the Hart family, to get a bit of rest from the sadness within our home. I went on a ski trip with our school, The American School in London, to also get away and try to find my strength again.
All I heard or remembered about the crash was the story about the mechanic could not read and, thus, did not close the cargo door properly. From this, I dedicated my life to becoming a literacy teacher and, now, a literacy consultant…flying over 175,000 miles a year working to help all children all over the world learn to read…for my brother.
Laura Lynn Smith Benson
September 10, 2010 at 12:57 pm
mike arnstein
Hi Laura
I see you were at ASL does that mean you knew my girlfriend Kailan Wilcxox and her brother Wayne, they were onboard that fateful flight?
Maybe you knew Heather Whittington and her mother who taught English at ASL I believe?
Mike Arnstein
March 3, 2022 at 5:36 am
Laura Benson
Mike, yes I knew Kailan and adored her. The Wilcox family is missed so very much. I am so very sorry for your loss and pain. Loved Heather, too. Cherished connections. Hope you are well and please know I appreciate your outreach.
March 3, 2022 at 12:29 pm
Lorraine (Scott) Kirby
Hi Mike, I too am remembering Kailan especially today. She was my best friend & the tragedy still resonates deeply within me, even so many decades later. Truly this was life changing for those of us left behind.
I just discovered this link from an ASL Facebook post and it’s reassuring to connect with others who loved her and still grieve.
March 14, 2011 at 9:04 pm
Stephen Davis
Laura:
Your parents were friends of my parents back in London. My father was John Davis and my mother was Mary Davis. My father was an executive with Fluor and I went to the ASL. My girlfriend was Nancy Hart. She was so beautiful with such lovely long blond hair. I loved her very much and was devestated. We moved stateside not long after the crash. I have never forgotten.
September 1, 2011 at 12:25 am
Steve Raymor
The mechanic was fluent in three languages, none of which were english. Macdonald Douglas only put an english tag on the door. I think it’s horrible they coud have fixed the problem with the door two years earlier but chose not to spend the money to fix it right. I feel you cannot!!! put a price on human life or safete..
January 18, 2011 at 5:10 pm
William Johnstone
My lovely ‘Oriel Junior School’ teacher, Georgina Byatt, from Hanworth in West London was among those killed. The tragedy was made even worse because the school lollipop lady, Bessie Brown (a relative of Georgina’s), was also on the flight. I recall they’d been on a shopping trip to Paris. Words can’t express the grief that ensues from a tragedy like this. Though it happened 36 years ago, I can remember it as though it was yesterday. The shock throughout the school and our village was simply mind-numbing. God bless all those that perished, and their friends and families.
September 28, 2011 at 4:25 pm
Aaron Geeves
William
This terrible disaster is one I will never forget. I was in Mrs Byatt’s class at the time (2B) and can remember coming to school on the Monday morning having no knowledge of the air crash. I remember sitting in the classroom prior to morning assembly with another teacher taking the class. Some of us knew something was wrong as Mrs Moverley’s (first aid lady) daughter was in my class and was possibly aware of what happened as I remember her crying but she would not tell anyone why. We were then taken to morning assembly where Mr Singleton told us all the tragic news.
She was a great teacher and was sadly missed along with Mrs Brown, the ‘lollipop lady’
July 18, 2012 at 1:48 pm
Paul Ware
Hello Aaron,
My name is Paul Ware and my Great Aunt was Bessie Brown the ” lollipop Lady”. I went to the memorial site in France last week and was saddened to see that my Aunts name was not on the memorial wall neither was Mrs Byatts. I would be interested on any information you have regarding the trip and air disaster. Many thanks
February 9, 2024 at 4:45 pm
Anonymous
Hi William,
I was a pupil in Oriel primary school when this tragedy happened. I was 9 years old, and I can still remember how it felt to this day.
My memory isn’t clear, but the feeling of the aftermath of it is, and how it felt when we were all told.
An awful atmosphere of loss and not seeing Mrs Byatt back in school, and our lollipop lady back outside the school.
Graham Tidy
February 19, 2011 at 10:03 pm
Anna Berg nee Ellis
My father died in the crash, he and his rugby team had been to watch the rugby world cup, I was 10 and my brother tuned 8 that day! We were not the only family to loose a Dad/husband from Bury St Edmunds.
I was pleased to find this site.
I have never been to the memorial.
Anna B
September 23, 2013 at 7:27 pm
Anonymous
great person your dad me and my dad worked behind the bar paul and john denman we also new your mum sue they were great memorys so sad willnever forget them i was only 16 then take care
March 14, 2011 at 8:51 pm
Stephen Davis
I can’t believe I found this information regarding the plane crash. My name is Steve Davis and I went to the American School in London. I was the boyfriend of Nancy Hart who with her entire family were killed in this crash. My father was John A. Davis who was an executive with the Fluor Corporation at that time and I know one of his close friends son was with the Hart’s on that day. I loved Nancy so much and her beatiful long blond hair still sticks in my mind all these years later. I will never forget my brother Bill and mysrlf had just returned from a ski trip with ASL and my parents told me they needed to talk to me. They looked so serious I thought I was in trouble. They told me the knoews and I was stunned. I was never the same and feared flying for years. I still dream about it and in fact had a dream last night which caused me to look up info on this tragedy. I met Nancy on an ASL ski trip to Ischle Austria a year or two before this. I have been back to ASL as I go to London often and hoped to see a memorial but did not see anything there. I have walked down SJW High Street many times over the years and glanced up the Harts flat where Nancy lived and thought why did it have to end so early for her.
April 6, 2011 at 12:14 am
Mike Gannon
Pam Sheel:
April 2, 2020 at 4:54 pm
alan Hughes
HI Mike, just reading your very kind comment about Pamela Sheel ,I was just wondering if her friend is around still and I’m also looking for some photos. I await maybe to hear from you, Ann
April 24, 2011 at 7:18 pm
Anonymous
I knew Pam when she wasn’t a famous model, in 1964 she was my tracer working at AVRO Chadderton she was aged about 18. The striking thing about Pam apart from her looks was her personality, she was fun to be with, never had anything bad to say about anyone, loyal and game for anything. Pam had a very close friend, a fellow tracer and they were inseperable they went everywhere together. Her friend came into work one morning and told us they had met a guy in a club who said he would make Pam a top model and he did. I left AVRo about this time to go to sea as an engineer and only found out about her death via the newspaper reports on the crash. I found it strange that Pam who had worked however briefly at an aircraft company had met her death in such a manner. I did read that her close friend attended Pam’s resting place each year on the anniversary. Only fond memories remain.
May 9, 2011 at 11:22 am
Steve, England
I’ve seen a couple of people who died in this accident mentioned in books over the last few years: Prudence Pratt, one of the models who died, is mentioned in ‘The Ossie Clark Diaries’. OC, the late fashion designer, visited a lawyer in 1974, after assaulting his ex/wife, and in an October (?)1974 entry he says the lawyer was a ‘sad guy’ who had lived with Pru Pratt, the model, who died in the Turkish air disaster.
Also, in Alan Bennett’s ‘Untold Stories’, AB talks about his friend, the journalist Francis Hope, dying in the crash and about Mr. Hope’s wife later giving away some of his collection of books.
I’m sure I’m accurate on both of these, though I don’t have the books to hand to take exact quotes from. Check them out for yourselves.
May 15, 2011 at 2:58 am
Roberto
Very interesting the website. I was 9 year old at that time and living in England. But I use to live in Argentina and 3 argentineans died in the crash, father, mother and daughter. The father, Pedro Pernia, was a very know script writer in Argentina kown as Jordan de la Cazuela, his artistic name, and was traveling on vacation with his wife Ilda and his younger daughter Alejandra Maria. His older daughter, now in her late 50’s early 60’s, is the only survivor of the family, married and with childrens. She received around 4 millon dollars between Turkish Airline and McDonals Douglas.
I also have the picture of all the crew of the THY 981, Pilots, Purser and Flight Attendants. I can mail it if you are interested.
June 4, 2011 at 12:39 pm
Nicholas Arthur
Last tuesday May 31st I went with my mother and daughter to the crash site to see the place where my father Brian Arthur`s life so sadly ended, he was 32 years old. He was a rugby player from England coming back from tour with his team mates after watching France versus England the previous day. To go to this crash site and memorial has always been too painful to contemplate but my mother is 72 years old now and she felt it was time to go to this place of devastation.
As we drew near the forest our hearts beat faster and an apprehension over came us as what to expect. To our surprise the forest was a tranquil, beautiful place, nature had established itself again. If there was ever a place to reconnect with Brian this was the place and in the old haunts of our home town in England that Brian frequented and the much loved rugby club that was such a focal point for the team`s life and passion for the game of rugby.
My mum has always been strong over the years and carried on with her life living a happy life raising my brother and I to live life with joy. That day as we drove away from the forest we said our goodbyes and the sun shone brighter than it had ever done that year.
March 3, 2015 at 10:19 am
Anonymous
Brian and your mum were significant names in my young life as my parents were also part of the scene of young adults of Bury and the Rugby club in the early to mid sixties. i believe Brian lived with my Dad for a while . There is a picture of him on my parents Wedding day in 1964 which still stands in their house . We heard many tales ofro his prowess as a rugby player and as a character . We had long since emigrated when the tragedy occurred and the grief and pain of the evening when the news was broken was etched in my young mind. It was my first ( albeit not direct ) encounter with tragedy , I would have been eight at the time and have always felt a strong empathy with the children bereaved in that event . Had we stayed in Bury I may well have been one of them . It is the reason I have taken an interest in this event .
I have visited the memorial site twice and gave my dad a photo of Brian’s name and that of the other Bury lads , I could tell he was very very moved.
Some years later totally by chance I met a man who ad also played at Bury with Brian and as we swopped tales he told me ( possibly mildly lubricated) that Brian was ” the best player he ever saw ”
My parents approach their 50th wedding anniversary ( Married in Bury ) , I have enjoyed hearing tales about their happy times in Bury , the dancing and drinks, having fun , and how they met , the reason I am here . My Mum was also a nurse .
I can tell however that the tragedy that happened to Brian and those lads is still very painful to them .
Thinking of Brian , your family and all the others on this sad day .
July 22, 2017 at 10:08 am
Anon
Only just saw your reply! Email me: nickarthur25@gmail.com
August 22, 2011 at 8:53 pm
Mike Arnstein
Because I was so near the crash site last weekend I decided I really had to find the memorial I had found it diffiuclt to find clear directions but managed in the end to locate it – the right turn into the forest off the D126 is about 1.5 miles south of the junction of the N330 and you can then follow signs to the memorial. I found it strange to see my girlfriends name, Kailan Wilcox, engraved into the memorial wall together with the neames of her 3 family members who died with her. The forest is a peaceful place and the memorial is quite striking even after all this time. I still miss Kailan, her mother brother and father may their souls rest in peace – I will never forget them. This poem keeps them alive for me:
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.
January 27, 2014 at 9:33 am
tony shafrazi
Please forgive , where is this Poem from and who is the author ?
April 2, 2020 at 5:02 pm
Mike A
Mary Elizabeth Frye It can be found via Google
September 18, 2011 at 5:29 pm
Anonymous
I have only just come across this website and have been moved by the tributes posted and the efforts of the author who has obviously taken considerable care and attention in reporting on this dreadful disaster.
I lost members of my family in this disaster and although I was only a child at the time, I remember that it affected my family greatly for many years to come as I am sure it did with all the other families involved.
Like alot of other families experiences, my family were not meant to be on that ill fated flight but due to the BA strike and unbeknown to us at the time, they took whatever flight was available to get them back to the UK. As much as we all still question today the ‘why’ and ‘if only’ of their travel schedule, it will never bring them back to us.
In just over two years, 3rd March 2014 will be the 40th Anniversary and I think it would be a fitting tribute to all those who perished to hold a memorial at the site in their memory.
No idea how this could be achieved but please keep me informed if this ever gets arranged.
Thank you again for all your efforts in creating this site and keeping the memory alive.
December 1, 2011 at 4:44 pm
Helen Bradley
My Grandfather, Ivor Bradley died in this horrific accident. Even though he is not able to be at all our family celebrations he is always spoken about and is missed every single day. i never got to meet my Grandfather but he plays the biggest part in my life, just as he would of if he was still with us. We visit the memorial as often as we can. I was devasted that parts of the plane have been put into black bin bags to be removed from the site. I believe everything should be left at the memorial.
My family will definately be there on the 40th Anniversary, as im sure many other family will be.
December 19, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Anonymous
I now know what you went through Janet. I am so sorry, so very sorry.
February 28, 2012 at 8:47 pm
Naomi Petty.
My Great Uncle, Micheal Townshend sadly died in this accident. I never had the opportunity to have ever met him, but my mother has such fond memories of him. He never married and had no children, so my mother and her sister were always treated well by him. He was the younger brother of my late Grandfather, who again I never got to meet as he passed away two years after the accident that took away his brother.
My Grandmother passed away a couple of years ago and whilst clearing the property we found the passport and credit cards that were recovered from the crash site still with debris in the pages of the passport. Micheal’s body was never indentified, so all we had from that sorrowful day were those items found. We have a postcard from Micheal which arrived after the accident, explaining details about his trip and wondering to what he would be eating on the flight. Rather haunting when looking at it, then realising to the devastation that afflicted so many unfortunate families.
Equally all together were newspaper cuttings, to which my Grandfather had done an interview. My Mother has a tape recording off the local radio station when the news was broken.
Would wish I just knew more, as my Mother would love to tie up all the loose ends about her dear Uncle. We never knew if Micheal had gone away with a friend possibly or if he was on his own at the time?
April 25, 2012 at 9:13 am
Andrew Jackson-Soutter
My dad Malcolm Jackson was on this flight, he had been working away from home and never returned, He worked as a fashion buyer for GUS and was returning from Hong Kong after a modeling assignment and was only on the flight as many others due to the strikes…… It would be nice to speak to someone in the same situation as me.
November 17, 2013 at 7:19 pm
Alice Nicholls
hi Andrew, we are in exactly the same situation as you….our dad David John Russell Nicholls was also in Paris on a fashion assignment, he was a photographer, and like your dad, he was transferred to the Turkish Airline….still such a loss for all of us, we will be there in March, its going to be harsh. but it will be good for all of us to meet finally . we have had similar experiences …Alice & Emma Nicholls
June 15, 2016 at 5:34 am
Jessie
Hi Alice & Emma
We are related through John Nicholls… Would be nice to hear from you if you are ever curious too.
Jessie
April 30, 2017 at 2:20 pm
Delores
would be very unlikeliy to the Han being replaced on an overall level.Nut what is important is the local leGga.vulnedong is very likely to see the impact of ethnic replacement. Unless dramatic measures are taken, which is not plausible due to the Chinese economic interests in Africa.Besides, Africans often disregard laws and the Chinese police is very corrupted…
May 24, 2017 at 11:51 am
http://www.mariascharlottenc.com/
Well done article that. I’ll make sure to use it wisely.
May 2, 2012 at 4:42 pm
Dejordy
James, I’d forgotten that we visited them in Malibu once.
July 18, 2012 at 1:32 pm
Paul Ware
My Great Aunty Bessie Brown was killed in the crash, I recently visited the memorial and was saddened to see her name is missing from the memorial wall. Can anyone advise if they too have experienced this and who I should contact to rectify this
August 6, 2012 at 9:39 pm
Paul Dart
Richard, Thank you so much for the information on this website. I am related through my nan to Joyce Hope and her Son Keith Madge. Joyces Mum Ellen was my Great GrandFather Fayer’s sister. My Dad used to visit this branch of the family and knew something about the accident but your site has allowed me to get a much better understanding of the events of that day. I would always be happy to hear from anyone who knew them.
August 7, 2012 at 3:39 am
IsarSteve
Paul, did you see my photo of Keith at the beginning of the about section? I was a friend of Keiths and did meet his mother Joyce Hope at Leytonstone on a number of occasions. http://www.isarsteve.de/?p=903
August 7, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Paul Dart
I did Steve thank you. Tried to messge you direct. Would always be pleased to hear more about them both.
August 10, 2012 at 2:03 pm
IsarSteve
Paul, mail on the way..
August 10, 2012 at 3:38 pm
Anonymous
In just under two years, 3rd March 2014 will be the 40th Anniversary and I think it would be a fitting tribute to all those who perished to hold a memorial at the site in their memory.
No idea how this could be achieved but please keep me informed if this ever gets arranged.
Thank you again for all your efforts in creating this site and keeping the memory alive.
October 14, 2012 at 8:04 pm
Nigel Birrell
I think the idea of a memorial service at the site on the 40th anniversary is a great idea. I am a member of Bury Rugby Club who lost 18 members on this horrendous day, and we have memorials and pictures of our lost members in the clubhouse.
My father turned down the chance to go on the fateful trip to Paris, and my mentor and captain of school rugby, Greg Rynsard, lost his life.
I will ask around the club to gauge opinions to see if we could raise a party to travel to France to support a memorial service at the site.
December 5, 2012 at 8:19 pm
Anonymous
my name is paul i was a young barboy of the rugby club me and my dad did every sat after the matches i new all members of club my dad turned down pair of tickets to go on tjat fatal trip as we were to busy that weekend i lost some fantastic friends that day and will never forget the days and laughs i had with them i will never forget them god bless them all i am now 54
March 3, 2014 at 11:41 pm
Anonymous
Hi
My father Rex Morley died on that flight too. I have a picture of him drinking at the club with the bar in the background. Behind the bar there is a man and young boy. Could this be you and your father? I have a scan of the picture if you email me on angusmorley@yahoo.co.uk.
I’ll also be at the club memorial on Saturday the 8th.
Angus
October 23, 2012 at 1:10 pm
Mary Sinclair Powell
I did not know anything about this site until I was browsing last week. My parents were both killed ojn their way back from a short weekend break in Istanbul.
I also knew nothing about the memorial in the forest and wish I had done so all of those members of the family who have travelled to Paris over the years could have visited there instead of the cemetery.
Last time we visited my aunt was so upset with what she found – unkempt and uncared for she vowed never could she go to visit her big brother again.
Unfortunately we lost her tragically last year and wish that we could have all been together for the 40th anniversary.
You hear of crashes etc but ours always seems to have been forgotten.
Thank you for this site – I will be visiting it regularly from now on and will certainly be asking my brother if he knows about it .
December 15, 2012 at 12:00 am
Liz Burgess (neeKifford)
A dear friend Lionel Ware died in this terrible accident and I often think of him, he was only 28 and having two young children and being an only child it must have been so devastating for his family. We had been friends for several years but I had a very young baby at the time and so was unable to attend a service in South London, but I will always remember him,his friendship, charm and wonderful sense of fun. I have just found this site tonight and am grateful for it and to know there is a memorial for Lionel and everyone on that flight.
August 6, 2013 at 9:45 am
Emma Willis (born Ware)
I am Emma, Lionel’s daughter and I’m France trying to find out more about my father and what happened at Ermenonville. I am going to the memorial tomorrow and came across this website while trying to find out whether my father had a grave I could visit. I know very little about him as I was only 3 when he died, so I feel so blessed that you wrote such lovely things about the dad I wish I could remember better.
January 16, 2013 at 12:48 pm
Emma
My father was a passenger on the fatal aircraft & like others (it would seem) would certainly be interested in a fitting 40th Anniversary Memorial although I fully intened to be in Paris at the Memorial Site at the Cemetery. Please keep me informed
January 16, 2013 at 1:18 pm
Helen Bradley
Emma
Do you live in the Uk? My father lost his father in the accident and even though I am organising the 40 year anniversary I know my dad and auntie would like to meet other families who lost someone in the crash.
January 16, 2013 at 2:17 pm
Anonymous
Helen,
It’s lovely to hear that somebody is organising something to mark the 40th anniversary. I will certainly be attending with my family as we lost a whole family in this disaster.
Is there a way of getting in touch with you via mail or facebook?
Alternatively, you can contact me at chiswick72@gmail.com
January 16, 2013 at 2:41 pm
Helen Bradley
If anyone is interested in meeting up and discussing the accident or if you are interested in attending the 40th anniversary please contact me on helen.p.bradley@googlemail.com and I will try and set up an email group to distribute details of the event.
February 8, 2013 at 4:49 pm
Mary Sinclair Powell
Thanks Helen
I have emailed you with the details of my brother and myself.
Many thanks for being thoughtful enough to organise this.
Regards for now.
March 3, 2013 at 5:34 pm
Helen Bradley
On this day 39 years ago. We are remembering you all day. One year until the 40th anniversary I will send out some details soon but for today lets all light a candle and remember our lives ones.
March 6, 2013 at 6:42 pm
Susanna
Helen,
What a wonderful idea to have a 40th anniversary. My mother, Shelagh Cave, was on that fateful flight that day and left behind myself and 3 younger brothers. She was booked to fly back from Paris on a BA flight but as we know BA were to go on strike. She was offered a lift back to the UK but declined and boarded the Turkish Airlines flight 981 instead. Thank you so much for offering to orgaise the anniversary, we would very much like to be involved. Please do let me know if I can be of any help, my email is susannavp@hotmail.com.
March 10, 2013 at 9:07 pm
Sue Cranmer
My mother was a nurse maid to Erica Sworder’s sister many years ago. I think the sisters name was susan and they lived at hawkwell in pembury, kent. Throughout the years she has mentioned about Erica and what a lovely little girl she was. She said that she had died in an aircraft accident but we never knew the true story until today when I typed Erica’s name in to the search engine. How tragic for all the families involved. Even though it is nearly 40 years on our thoughts are with all the families. My mothers name is Joan Jenner.
May 20, 2013 at 6:20 pm
Keith Hobbs
Flight 981
On Friday 1st March 1974 I was returning home from Madrid after another boring business meeting. I got to Madrid airport at 6.30 pm, in good time for my flight, only to be told at the check-in desk that my flight had just taken off and that a clerical mistake had been made when writing out my ticket. There were no more flights to the UK from Madrid that evening but, as it was their mistake, the airline offered to put me up at the airport hotel until the first available flight the next day, or alternatively they offered to put me on a flight to Paris where I could stay overnight at their expense and fly on to the UK in the morning. As I had never been to Paris before, I jumped at the chance to see the city, intending to see the sights on the Saturday and catch a flight home on the Sunday.
I got to Paris late so postponed booking my onward flight until the following morning. The next day, Saturday 2nd March, I ate a sumptuous breakfast at the Air France hotel and went along to the ticket office to book my flight to the UK for the following day, Sunday. There were plenty of seats free on Turkish Airlines flight 981 at that stage so I booked my ticket. The clerk advised me to check in early as they were transferring customers from a cancelled BA flight onto flight 981 and they could only allocate seats at the original point of departure (Istanbul).
Ticket in hand I set off to explore Paris. It was a cold wet Saturday and, by the time I had had a quick look at the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triumph and Notre Dame, the rain was soaking through my jacket. The 5 star Air France hotel was going to charge me more for a one night stay than I was used to paying for a weeks camping holiday and I was beginning to have niggling doubts about not getting a seat on the plane if I did not check in very early. As I was expected back in work on the Monday morning it was not going to go down very well if I did not turn up until the Tuesday.
Making an “executive” decision, I chickened out and went back to the ticket office in the hotel to see if I could get on an earlier flight. The clerk at the desk looked at her computer and asked me if I was ready to go as a coach was leaving in 45 minutes and there was one seat left on the next flight. I took it and was home in Luton by three-o-clock on Saturday.
The next day news broke in the afternoon about the air-crash in Paris. The information was sketchy at first and it was not until later in the evening when they announced that it was a Turkish flight from Istanbul to Heathrow that I realised it was the plane that I had been booked on originally. I had heard people use the expression about their “blood running cold” but it was the first time in my life that I knew what they meant by it.
I have to admit that my first reaction was a very selfish one of relief that I had changed my mind. I felt glad to be alive. As the details unfolded of the flight being fully booked I realised that in changing my ticket I had released one more seat, probably for a returning rugby fan who had thought themselves lucky to get the last seat on the plane. I will never know who actually took my seat but to this day I still feel guilty to have been involved so closely in someone’s death.
I cannot apologise to the pereson who took my place but I can offer my sincere condolences and prayers to the suviving families who lost someone in this tragic accident.
I have often thought about my one and only one-night visit to Paris and how my family’s life would have changed if the weather had been nice on the Saturday.
I will never forget the unknown passenger who died in my place almost 40 years ago.
Keith
March 4, 2015 at 9:11 am
Anonymous
fate kismet call it what you like , thanks for your story which is full of empathy ….. recently i saw some footage of the rugby game that caused so many to be in the wrong place at the wrong time …. it would have kicked off about the time you were landing in luton , it was played out a bright sunny Parisian afternoon .
January 18, 2017 at 10:22 pm
Sam Worrall
I had a similar lucky escape and like you mixed emotions on the one hand glad to be alive but feeling a connection with those that perished. Sam(see my post below)
January 30, 2019 at 10:59 am
simon worrall
Keith, I too missed this flight after being booked on it along with my parents and one of my brothers. We were leaving Istanbul having lived there for 10 yrs. We had tickets for BEA but when they went on 24hr strike, they automatically transferred everyone onto THY, however my mum was a very nervous flyer and only liked to fly on BEA, so despite my fathers attempts to persuade her, she refused to go on flight 981, so BEA agreed to put us up for the night and booked us on BEA the next day. I was 11 at the time and it has left a lasting impression on me. Weirdly it only just dawned on my recently that 4 poor people must have died in our places due to my mother’s decision and that has increased those feelings of survivor guilt. I will definitely visit the crash site one day to pay my respects.
Simon
January 30, 2019 at 5:46 pm
Banks
There is a good book about this terrible tragedy called. Nine minutes or something similar very well written. This D.C.-10 was THYs first and used on all the postcards etc. THY did not have the good reputation it has now then. A Viscount of THY crashed near our house at Newdigate in 1958 with theTurkish Prime Minister on board who survived . The Viscount was diverting from LHR because of fog.
May 20, 2013 at 6:28 pm
Helen Bradley
Keith
Thank you for your story, my grandfather got a last minute seat along with many others. Fate is something I have never believed in but with your story there is something to be said for it. It’s funny that as you write this I am watching old recordings of my grandad from the 60s! We are having a reunion at the memorial if you fancy another visit to Paris!
May 29, 2013 at 8:56 am
Mrs Megan John
Megan John (nee Portch) Helen,
South Wales
I would like to add my story of the DC10 Air Disaster. I lost my Brother Mac Portch and Sister-in-Law Enid and Niece Trudy age 6 in this disaster with an ironic twist as they should not have been on that flight–They were in Spain on a short break before his new Garage was to be opened, there was a strike at Spain airport and the only flight available was to Paris –As he was anxious to get back for the opening he decided to take the fated DC10 to London . This is assumption on my part,as we were expecting him to be coming home from Spain, but knowing my Brother this is what I know he would have done. When I saw the crash on that Sunday, I knew in my heart that he was on that flight as he didn’t arrive on the Saturday night and had,not phoned me to say they had landed or be delayed —I didn’t say anything to my Mother who was 72yrs and living with us with ill health,but I just new–. My husband tried to reason with me but he couldn’t reassure me. All night I waited for news that my Brother had landed and that his plain from Spain had been delayed knowing all the time he would have phoned.–I had a thirteen old little boy and my Mother to see to in the morning, I also had the keys to my Brothers house and safe keys, so I decided to phone the Travel Agency the booked with and they had just been informed that they were on that flight.The shock was unbelievable, and wondering how do I tell my Mother that her first born and his family were in the crash., My Brother was twelve years older than me and was more like a Father than a Brother as my Father died young., As this wasn’t enough shock, I was the next of kin on my brothers papers and all correspondence came to me, My other Brother and I went over to the crash site and was devastated at the shambles at the Police station at SL with tables that had little plastic bags on that you had to identify the jewellery, and after identifying from both tables to be told they were from unidentify and certified people, I just couldn’t take this in,after this experience it got worse as my Brother was never found only a boarding ticket and I wont go into details about my little niece and sister-in-law, but it will stay with me to the end of my life. My mother had a heart attach and her health was never the same as she grieved so much ,and of course to the day she died she didn’t know that we never found anything of my Brother. We went as a family over to the Cemetery on many occasions and took a stone with their three names on to put around the main memorial stone, as opposite if you have been to the Cemetery, you will see are forty little stones with peoples names on that was buried there , these were there because we identified from the certified table (which we weren’t
told it was thatt) the little bags that belonged to my sister-in-law and niece —you cant imagine what that did to me, as they should have been buried with my Brother all together We tried to get the Consulate to change this with no avail, so we never took my Mother over there as she would have notice this as the stones were so close. Well Helen I could go on but this is a little touch of my story, but they are in our hearts every day I live, especially my little niece, who was the most beautiful child with dark curly hair and big brown eyes, she was the apple of their eyes as they were late having her,We would most certainly like to be at the Memorial and I think you have already been in touch with my Son Gavin John, he lives in Abu Dhabi–Please keep in touch (meganjjohn@googlemail.com)
May 20, 2013 at 7:00 pm
Nick Arthur
I read your story Keith. My father was one of the rugby players that died. There was a couple of rugby players that didnt get on the flight also. You were a lucky one and should not feel bad. Just love your family that much more and hold them close. You were destined to.miss death that day.
May 20, 2013 at 7:32 pm
Sue Cranmer
Keith – thank you for your story. It is so moving and as Nick says live your life you were destined to miss death that day.
May 29, 2013 at 11:35 am
Helen Bradley
Megan
Thank you so much for your story. It was interesting to read about the jewellery which you identified. My dad recognised some belongs of my grandfathers however these were never returned to us as a family and I wonder if it is for the same reason. I do not believe that my grandfather was found. I also didn’t know about the stones so I will let my family know about this. I was not alive at the time but all stories I hear is that the organisation was almost non existent. As a police officer myself I find it difficult to hear the failures that happened following the crash.
I will of course email you all details
May 29, 2013 at 11:52 am
Mrs Megan John
Yes Helen –It was a shambles there, had I known the outcome of the jewellery I identified in bags which we never had back I would never had said and there wouldn’t be the two lonely stones with their names on–You can take a stone over and lay it around the main Memorial in the Cemetery— you will be able to see when we all meet up next year and visit both places–but for me the Forest is where my Brother and family are at rest and we have their names on the wall there–Look forward to hearing from you again
July 23, 2013 at 4:31 pm
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August 6, 2013 at 10:32 am
Nick A
If he had a grave it would be at Senlis cemetery. Some did not have a grave for obvious reasons. There is a special designated area quite far into the cemetery at Senlis for the victims.
August 6, 2013 at 10:49 am
Helen Bradley
Emma if you need any info just email me at helen.p.bradley@googlemail.com. I am organising a 40th anniversary trip next year.
August 6, 2013 at 10:57 am
Emma Willis (born Ware)
Thank you. Is this in the town of Senlis ?
(Cimetière de Senlis
Rue Yves Carlier, Senlis, France )
August 6, 2013 at 11:47 am
Nick A
Apologies. Contact Helen Bradley. I am getting information the cemetery is actually at Thiais which is 20km north of Paris.
August 6, 2013 at 11:51 am
Nick A
Correction South of Paris near Orly airport
August 6, 2013 at 7:02 pm
Mrs Megan John
Emma There is a wall of names of all ;the victims in the forest just outside Senlis if you go to the Police Station there they dealt with all the recovery.where it came down ,If his name is not on the wall– there is a Grave Stone on a mass grave at Thais Cemetery of all victims remains (Sorry about this) but its the only way I can explain –Its just outside Orly Airport Hope this helps
August 6, 2013 at 9:39 pm
Emma Willis (born Ware)
Thank you – My father was an only son, and my grandparents on all sides have now passed and I guess it was too difficult for family to talk about the details as I was growing up — so I feel a huge gap in my personal history that I can’t share with my own children. Perhaps if I have a clear understanding of what happened I might find a peace with a huge loss I feel
January 6, 2014 at 10:31 am
Michael Graham Martin
Emma, I am your uncle Michael in Canada and have been trying contact Carole, you and Darren. Please email me at mgmartin11@outlook.com
You are all in my thoughts especially as the 40th anniversary nears.
August 6, 2013 at 9:32 pm
Nick A
There is some individual graves at Thiais when I went.
August 6, 2013 at 10:01 pm
Nick Arthur
I was 4yrs old at the time when my father died in the crash so I can empathise with you about a hole with not much or no memory. My father was part of a rugby team so a number of my peers in this town of Bury St Edmunds lost a parent or brother or spouse. It helps having a common bond. In terms of the logistics and mechanics of what happened to flight 981 then Air crash investigation about it is excellent. Unwatchable for my mother but an explanation at least. It is on you tube.
August 7, 2013 at 2:27 pm
Mrs Megan John
Hi Nick I lost my Brother, his Wife and my six year old niece, they were not suppose to have been on that plane , but there was a ground strike at Palma Airport and they had to get back to London so they went via Paris and boarded the fated DC10—Your 44yrs old and Im 76yrs—We went over when it happen and I will never forget it as long as I live—We are going over to the 40th anniversary next March, perhaps we will meet then?
August 7, 2013 at 8:17 pm
Aziza Chaouni
My uncle Saad Chaouni passed away in the crash. He was 22 years old and the only Moroccan on board. His death chattered his family, and especially affected my father who was studying with him in Bordeaux at the time. I would like very much to come to the 20th anniversary. Let all the victims of this horrid accidents, caused by the greed of large corporations, rest in peace.
August 8, 2013 at 5:49 am
Helen Bradley
Aziza please send me an email to helen.p.bradley@googlemail.com so I can include you in the mailing list for the anniversary.
August 21, 2013 at 1:10 pm
Jane Thame
My Mum lost her mum and brother in crash. This was her entire family at the tim, my mum was completly chattered by this and I am so proud of how she has gone through the past 39 years as strong as she has. We will be attending the memorial in March. We have been to Senlis a number of times over the years.
Their names were Joyce Hope and Keith Madge.
August 21, 2013 at 2:01 pm
Paul Dart
Hello Jane
It’s good to see your message on here. We are related although quite distantly. Would love your mum to know that other members of your family still remember Keith and his mum. My email is rodwell@blueyonder.co.uk would love to hear from you. Paul Dart
September 2, 2013 at 12:31 am
aziza chaouni
I wanted to thank the creators of this webpage. Since I was born in 1977, 3 years after my uncle’s death, I never met him, but his memory has been with me all this time. My father was very close to him, and has been ever since affected by his sibling’s tragic death. Needless to say that like other family members of the crash victims, I have felt a big hole. It is only now at 36 years of age that I learn of the details of his horrible death, and parts of the hole have somehow faded. I feel comfort having found this community.
October 7, 2013 at 7:47 pm
Brigitta Graves
I lost my brother Rainer, 28 years old. He had missed his plane and got a seat in the DC 10 which crashed. He was the only Swiss citizen. When we went to the Crash-site, 5 days later, we found a small piece of paper with the words: weep weep mine eyes. After a long search we found out, that it is a Madrigal. In Memory of all the dead, we performed the Music.
Madrigal by John Wilbye’s ( 1609 )
Weep, weep mine eyes, my heart can take no rest.
Weep, weep, my heart, mine eyes shall ne’er be blest,
Weep heart, weep eyes, and both this accent cry,
A thousand deaths I die.
Ay me, ah, cruel Fortune, Ay me
Now – Leander to die I fear not,
Death do thy worst I care not,
I hope, I hope when I am dead, in Elysian plain to meet.
And there with joy, with joy we’ll love again
October 7, 2013 at 10:21 pm
Nick arthur
That certainly is a beautiful and haunting Madrigal. I listened to it on you tube and then looked up about the life if the composer. I was stunned to see he came from near where I live, Bury St Edmunds in the county of Suffolk, England. My father and the rugby team that were on the flight came from Bury St Edmunds rugby club.
October 8, 2013 at 6:59 am
Brigitta Graves
I am always wondering who might have carried this music in his/her luggage. how touched this person would be, knowing it was performed in Scottland and USA in their honour. (my younger brother was in Scottland at that time, i was in USA). i would be very interested in attending a Memorial, march 2014.
October 8, 2013 at 7:16 am
Helen Bradley
Please email me at helen.p.bradley@googlemail.com for memorial details.
October 8, 2013 at 7:22 am
Nick arthur
Brigitta, were the words handwritten? It is impossible to say who had this bit of paper. I guess any person English or not could have been carrying John Wilbye’s Madrigal because he is so well known to music affecionados with a love of that genre of music. However in 1951 when my father was 10 years of age it was performed at his school as part of the Aldeburgh music festival. Maybe it was instilled in his psyche then but then maybe it is wishful thinking on my part that this Madrigal is his words beyond the grave to his family. Then I thought to myself it is really everyone’s words.
October 8, 2013 at 8:55 am
Anonymous
Oh my goodness Brigitta you have stirred a distant memory….my mother, Sheelagh Cave, was on that fated flight, (I was just 18 years old at the time), she was a classically trained singer and had flown to Paris that weekend to fulfill a professional singing engagement as part of a classical group called the Troubadours, who specialised in performing Elizabethan madrigals. She would have had all her various sheet music in her luggage. She flew alone on that flight because she was in a hurry to return to the UK and sadly had not taken up her seat on a mini bus travelling with the rest of her Troubadour companions back to the UK. Music and classical singing was her life and her passion. Maybe it is wishful thinking on my part too that that music belonged to her but the thought is so very poignant and the possibility that something so special might have been found to remember her by is so wonderful as she herself was never found. Her last words to me before she left were ones of anxiety, she was concerned about flying that weekend and my words to her were that there was nothing to worry about…..
October 8, 2013 at 9:01 am
Susanna Pegram
Apologies I posted the above comment but failed to log in with my name!
October 8, 2013 at 9:17 am
Nick arthur
Well Susanna that truly is remarkable. It must be your mother’s music. The words could not be more apt. After all these years she is in some way speaking to you.
October 8, 2013 at 9:39 am
Susanna Pegram
Truly remarkable as you say Nick and really quite overwhelming…but such wonderful news too all at the same time. And Brigetta you are so right my mother would have been so touched to know that her beloved music had been performed both in Scotland and the USA – a fitting tribute indeed to all those lost on that tragic day.
October 8, 2013 at 1:05 pm
Brigitta Graves
I am so very moved to hear from you all. it was printed, only those words and some music! Hopefully my mom still has that tiny but prescious piece of paper. i will ask her in any case, i have the copy of the whole piece.
October 8, 2013 at 6:19 pm
Susanna Pegram
Thank you so much Brigetta it would mean so much to my three brothers and I. It is great to read that you are interested in attending the memorial on 3rd March 2014 – it would be lovely to meet you.
October 9, 2013 at 4:16 am
Brigitta Graves
Yes Susanna — who would have guessed, there will be an answer to that question? It will be meaningful to share the moments of remembering with you all!
October 9, 2013 at 2:29 pm
Brigitta Graves
Susanna — my mom has the original — i will bring it to you when we meet. it belongs to you and your brothers!!!
October 9, 2013 at 4:32 pm
Susanna Pegram
Brigitta what wonderful news!! It is so kind of you – please do thank your mother so very much for treasuring it for all these years.
April 29, 2017 at 8:33 pm
Torie
It’s woufdrenl to have you on our side, haha!
October 27, 2013 at 9:19 pm
Anonymous
Кошмар!!!
October 27, 2013 at 9:23 pm
Anonymous
Интересные вещи я нашел… Самолет вылетел из Орли и упал не так далеко от второго парижского аэропорта Руасси, который будет открыт через несколько дней после катастрофы…
October 28, 2013 at 12:48 pm
Unknown
The russian word left there by someone translates as ‘nightmare’
November 8, 2013 at 11:48 pm
Debbie Connolly
Just come across this site – my cousin Owen James Williams (described as a merchant, he was much more than this) was on this tragic flight with his friend Paul Hillman. His mum and Dad were never the same after and this was so sad as they were such lovely people. Owen was a trend setter and business man who said he would be a millionaire by the time he was 30 yr old or dead – he was 28 when he died. He was a son, father, partner, nephew, cousin and friend – not just a merchant and will never be forgotten – we will never forget you Ow x
November 9, 2013 at 5:15 am
Helen Bradley
I am accumulating a contact list for all the families involved in this fateful crash. I am also organising an event for the 40 th anniversary so it would be great if you could email me helen.p.bradley@googlemail.com.
Many thanks
Helen Bradley
(Granddaughter of Ivor Bradley)
January 28, 2023 at 4:21 pm
David Lloyd
Hi Helen. I know this is a long shot. Are you aware of a 50th anniversary commemoration happening?
I am David – son of Elfryn Lloyd one of the victims that day – and my extended family would like to be part of any event
david53lloyd@googlemail.com
December 6, 2013 at 6:09 pm
A. Castilo L.
Although at that time I was a young american-mexican airline pilot 60 years old by now this horrific accident meant a lot for me first of all how is possible God could have permitted such kind of tragedy I have seen some devastation pictures from the scene and just couldn`t believe the horrible destruction that once were an airplane DC-10 nevertheless as times goes on I would like to send my best regards and feelings to the victims families. As a pilot I was, I know what really hapenned but there is a book I always wanted to read…”the last nine minutes…the story of flight 981″ I think by Morya Johnston but not sure…Do you know how to get it…??? perhaps after 39 years no more printed available…GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.
December 6, 2013 at 6:58 pm
Sliding Sideways
You can still obtain copies of the book, I got one a couple of years ago. I think that if you check Amazon you will find some.
January 16, 2023 at 6:50 am
Ruth Moreau
Don’t blame God for the tragedy. Man was born with free will and human error caused the crash; God had nothing to do with it! McDonnell Douglas knew about the problems with the cargo door but chose to ignore them and after the tragedy tried to put the blame on a baggage handler with no knowledge of English. A monumental tragedy that never should have happened.
December 6, 2013 at 6:32 pm
Keith
Send me your address and I will happily lend you my copy. I would like it back though, as I had a seat reserved on this plane and changed my plans on the Saturday. The book regularly reminds me not to waste my life which has been extended at someone else’s expense.
misterhobbs@mail.com
March 3, 2014 at 11:53 am
J r bradford
My dentists father was not allowed on the flight and created a bit of a fuss. They cut off two people before him . while he was making a fuss they all owed another twenty passengers on and so it is said one gentleman suddenly got off and left the plane ( not a premonition , he simply wanted t remain in Paris )
December 6, 2013 at 6:34 pm
A. Castilo L.
I forgot to tell you that on March next year 2014 I will be in Paris although I did not have any relative or friend aboard flight 981 I would like to be present at Orly cemmetery with flowers but I don`t know which one is it…???. it is very sad but like one said bebore…”…these unfortunatelly poor people spent their lives asking themselves were they were 😦
December 10, 2013 at 4:55 pm
Keith
I posted the book yesterday, but it may take a while in the Xmas post.
March 3, 2014 at 12:03 pm
J r bradford
The mass burial tookplace at Thais cemetery which in itself caused some trauma at the time as it was within reach of Orlys flight path and jet noise might be heard in the cemetery . The site itself (with the memorial and names and some debris ) is about 2 km from the town of Ermenonville in a place called the “bois de danmartin ” . It is not easy to find and if you are in the town ask an older looking member of the public to avoid a blank stare . You can get to within about 800 m by car but have to walk the last bit which especially the walk back is quite soothing after snapshot of tragedy you will witness. the last time i went the person i asked was a forestry worker who had been in the wood that afternoon . His description was fascinating but also graphic and disturbing .
April 29, 2017 at 8:56 pm
Eliza
Back in school, I’m doing so much leninrag.
May 10, 2017 at 3:25 pm
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December 10, 2013 at 6:57 pm
Brigitta Graves
I ordered the book at Amazon. Still available. Also i will bring a book to Paris, called: ” Rise and Fall of DC 10″ — dealing with the problems of DC10 and the crash (quite technical.
December 11, 2013 at 3:23 pm
A. Castilo L.
Keith I don`t know how to say enough thank you. You don`t know how much I appreciate your kindness and polite because having sent to me your book thanks a lot fellow to lend it just great, also my best regards to Sliding Sideways and Briggita Graves for replying. It`s a shame but Amazon told me a few months ago that they did not send or can’t delivery the book to my birth country, Mexico…???. Keith I estimate to send back your book on January 2014. I hope first days or half of the month…thanks everybody.. Capt. A. Castilo.
January 16, 2014 at 12:56 pm
Anonymous
Fran Riley, is looking to find David Hillman, and maybe to get in touch with Debbie Connolly please.
stevepgray@hotmail.com
January 22, 2014 at 2:49 am
A. Castilo. R.
I want to give and say my profound gratitude to Mr. Keith Hobbs because his kindness and regardness to me. Keith today Tuesday January 20/2014, I have received your interesting book and many thanks fellow. I will be in touch with you as soon as I`d finnished it. Greetings Capt. A. Castilo. R.
January 27, 2014 at 7:00 pm
Anon
It is next to the wall of names in the forest where the aeroplane crashed. Carved in stone. I believe it was written by French writer Guy Marcon. I contacted him via facebook to thank him for his moving poem. No reply as yet.
February 13, 2014 at 12:13 pm
Jane Thame
Is anyone going to the memorial that knows Joyce Hope, Keith Mdge or Peter Walsh? I am Joyces granddaughter, I will be attending with my Mum and two sisters. it would be really nice for my Mum if any of Keiths friends were thinking of attending. She would love to meet and speak to people who knew him.
February 22, 2014 at 11:03 am
IsarSteve
Jane; sorry I haven’t replied before now.. Will try to be there. Will contact over the weekend.
February 20, 2014 at 9:51 pm
A. Castilo R.
Hi Keith I have almost finished the “book” I think before ending this month of February I will send it back to you ok. I appreciate you a lot for your kindness to me. Thanks a lot. Capt. A. Castilo R.
February 21, 2014 at 10:46 am
Jane Thame
A. Castilo
I read your comment saying, how god could had allowed this to happen. The answer is, he didn’t, it was no accident, it could have and should have been prevented. It lays totally in the hands of humans.
I have contacted BA, Turkishe Airlines and Boeing regarding the memorial next weekend but have had no reply yet!
February 21, 2014 at 10:45 pm
A. Castilo R.
Thanks Jane you are right we can say all about this terrible accident that for me occupy the third more important and devastated in aviation crash history should have been avoided but Douglas MacDonald did not care in spite of previus similar event which ocurred in another one DC-10 in Winsor Ca two years before in 1972. Maybe I was right saying about God perhaps he was furious with the human beings (Douglas engineers) at that time. Thank you A. Castilo
February 23, 2014 at 8:55 pm
Anonymous
Emma Willis nee Ware
Dear Emma
I have just come onto this Site again having left message in 2012 and read your messages about your father Lionel. I can only imagine the huge loss you must feel losing him at such a young age. I don’t know if you are going to the anniversary at the site if you do I hope it will will help fill in gaps and be of some comfort to you. Lionel was a dear friend for many years and I was at Paddington college doing research technology when he was studying aircraft engineering at BEA and occasionally borrowed his slide rule which I still have in its case with his name and number, I wonder if you would like it. Thinking of you.
Liz Burgess nee Kifford
February 24, 2014 at 10:41 am
Anonymous
Elizabeth Burgess nee Kifford
Apologies had not logged name.
February 26, 2014 at 11:21 pm
Emma Willis (born Ware)
Thanks Liz – How lovely you’ve held on to the slide rule for a long time. My reaction is of course I think it would be lovely to have this, but I think perhaps as I have gained so much as a direct result of your message that if you have held on to this connection with my dad all these years, perhaps he would want you to have it. Do reach out to Helen Bradley on this web to contact me directly – I would love to hear more about how you knew my dad. I now have a photo of what I believe is his graduation photo at BEA which must be at the same time. My husband and 3 boys are going to Paris for the memorial and hope the public acknowledgment and memorial will as you say, start that process of feeling at peace with his passing.
March 3, 2014 at 11:49 am
J r bradford
forty years ago but seems like yesterday . i visited the site two years ago , slightly decaying. time has moved on but still haunting and atmospheric . RIP all those whose lives were tragically cut short
March 3, 2014 at 6:31 pm
Shirley Turkington
Feel very fortunate to have been able to visit my dad’s grave here in Belfast today. Thoughts very much with those who have made the journey to Paris and just sorry I wasn’t able to be there. Good to have memories of having visited the memorial in the past. Do wonder where those 40 years have gone!
March 3, 2014 at 9:39 pm
O. Castilo R.
Yes 40 years have gone and I know the souls and spirits of 346 are there at Ermenonville forest in France as well as I know they are in good God’ hands I hope and begging to God never ever this kind of devastated crash happen again by the way the precisely at this very day March 3/2014, I have finished to read the book written by Moria Johnston and many thanks to Mr Keith Hobbs. You won’t believe me but I never planed to finish on reading exactly today. Keith I went to the post office in order to send it back to you the postman told me that the book might arrive to U.K. on two or three weeks ahead and as I said before I really appreaciate a lot. At last I would like to send my best regards and feelings to all the families around the world who lost a love one. God is with you and your memories for ever…finaly a few words in spanish language for them…”Dios estarà siempre con ellos hasta el final de los tiempos y por toda la eternidad”…Thanks all of you. Capt. O. Castilo R.
March 4, 2014 at 8:29 am
J r bradford
Que el Senor les bendigan u les cuidan ,nunca les olvidiremos .
March 4, 2014 at 8:41 am
J r bradford
My parents met in Bury in the sixties . My Dad played for Bury . They were part of that social scene young couples, starting careers falling in love getting married and starting families . One of the victims was Best Man at their wedding and stand proudly in their house in various wedding photographs . We had emigrated several years before the tragedy but it deeply upset both my parents that such a tragedy could befall their friends . I cant imagine had I been one of the children orphaned by this disaster and my sympathies are extended to all those who were . My parents are now retired , Grandparents with a huge part of their lives behind them . Tragic that so many of their friends never enjoyed such luxury .
March 4, 2014 at 6:22 pm
O. Castilo R.
Many thanks to Jr Bradford for his comments also Mr Keith Hobbs as well all the friends who had written to me in my private email. God bless all of you. Capt. O. Castilo R.
March 12, 2014 at 5:11 pm
Jan
Remembering an old and dear friend, Brian Arthur. many lovely memories f time spent together in our crazy, younger years. I loved him dearly, he was a wonderful man. Still loved and missed.
.
March 24, 2014 at 7:15 pm
Duncan Bradley
Can I reach out to everyone who has posted here but has not got in contact to please let me know your details as we are forming a new families association, and would love to get in contact with you. Please email me at duncan.bradley at gmail.com.
January 20, 2015 at 3:16 am
Wes
I believe that I was Michael Hannah possibly in a past life ive had plenty of dreams to indicate him and would like to know more about him and any photos would be great ,and this is why I have a phobia of planes ,vertigo, and very introvert and shy because of what happened in my past life .I was told in my dreams I was a model in a past life who died in a plane crash and the country turkey is also relevant and the date of the crash is close to my d.o.b. Did Michael have any links to Bournemouth because I found my self moving there for a few years like my soul wanted to be there .The 981 plane looks very familiar and stirs up a lot of fear in my soul God bless to all the victims it was a terrible disaster
March 3, 2015 at 7:23 am
Emma Keenan (Nicholls)
On this day 41 years ago, remembered & never forgotten. Thinking of all you all today, we are no longer alone x x
March 3, 2015 at 8:40 am
Anonymous
Thoughts to all the friends and the families we met one year ago at the memorial of this disaster that took my family, they will they will never be forgotten thanks to Duncan and his family God Bless
March 3, 2015 at 9:23 am
Anonymous
One year ago — remembering the ceremony and visit of the Crash site — a healing Event — thanks to Duncan, Helen and the choir of Senlis.
March 3, 2015 at 9:25 am
Anonymous
from Brigitta Graves
April 25, 2015 at 12:49 pm
Stephen, England
I have just found some information on Michael Hannah, the model and actor who was on the flight. Apparently, he used to go out with 1960’s singer Twinkle and she recorded a whole album about her relationship with him in the early 1970’s, though it wasn’t released until 2003. It’s called ‘Michael Hannah, The Lost Years’. She’d already dedicated an earlier single-Micky-to him. It mentions in reviews that he was lost in a plane crash. If you search the album online, and find a picture of the back cover, Twinkle is sitting with a man who I assume is Michael Hannah himself-legs crossed, he has a drink and a cigarette and is wearing a hat, The first song on the album is called Michael Hannah.
May 23, 2015 at 10:23 am
Jan Johnson
Twinkle died this week of cancer. This tragedy affected her deeply and was something she would not talk about even to her closest friends. So sad that someone who came to the attention of the public by having a hit song about the tragic death of a (fictitious) boyfriend should actually lose her real life boyfriend in an accident. She went on to marry the Milk Tray Man and have a family, but the planned comeback in 1974 never happened. It’s a real sliding doors situation. I think it’s really ironic that her death is in the papers all this week, with so-called journalists harping on about her relationships with various members of the Rolling Stones and completely missing the fact that she was one of those left waiting at home for the phone to ring. That was the real story and in a way I’m glad they missed it because like everyone else on here who lost friends and family in this disaster, this was a very private tragedy and it continued to affect her for the rest of her life. RIP Twinkle. Reunited at the Gates of Heaven with Michael Hannah now.
August 24, 2018 at 9:49 pm
George Banks
Iam/ was a Twinkle fan and was devastated that she lost her boyfriend in THY DC10 accident (Michael Hannah) he was producing her records then. Apparently Michael Hannah got the last seat on the Dc10 .Michael D’ Abo produced The Lost Years CD. Her early death at 55 was due to cancer but losing him no doubt affected her whole life
May 28, 2015 at 11:23 am
michael
i was michael hannah in a past life maybe i will have a child one day and call her twinkle God bless im just a bit upset how God uses tradegy to humble us also so we search for the true God head through Jesus Christ because now i cant even look at the sky without feeling great fear
July 22, 2015 at 12:53 pm
Maurice
I’d very much like to know how Francis Hope’s widow, Mary, is getting on.
June 15, 2016 at 6:34 am
Tony Hilton
I was close to Pm Sheils, one of the models killed. I too was a photographer
June 15, 2016 at 7:42 am
Emma Keenan
Jessie
Would love to hear from you but I am on holiday at the moment please please email me your contact details & I will get in touch when I return – We would love to hear from you
Emma x
ekeenan@sky.com
June 15, 2016 at 7:41 pm
Jessie
Thank you Emma, will be in touch x
June 15, 2016 at 2:31 pm
Alice
Hi Jessie, I’d love to hear from you again! I’m totally intrigued! Much Love Alice x
June 15, 2016 at 5:46 pm
Jessie
Great! Just working out how to do it without publishing contact details online… Shall we ask the lovely person who runs this site to forward my email address to you? Or is there a better way?
Love Jessie X
June 15, 2016 at 6:56 pm
Helen
Hi Jessie
Unfortunately Richard died (who made the site). Emma left her email on the last post for you to contact and then she can forward on to Alice too. Hope you manage to discover lots you never knew before!
June 15, 2016 at 7:40 pm
Jessie
Oops I just saw Aluce’s and missed Emma’s – thanks very much x
June 20, 2016 at 10:59 am
Maurice Hynett
Maurice would like to hear from Mary Borg Hope.
My e-mail: maurice@hynett.com
October 2, 2016 at 10:05 am
Anonymous
My father died on this x
October 11, 2016 at 6:32 pm
Susan
Does anyone know the family of Erica Ann Sworder who died in this tragic accident?
December 5, 2020 at 1:58 pm
Cara Grant
Dear Susan,
I’m sorry, I don’t know Erica’s family, but I remember her well from my student nursing days. She was a brilliant midwifery tutor and really inspired us all! It’s so very tragic that this happened to her.
Did you work with Erica, Susan? I would love to make contact with others who remember Erica and did obstetric training under her at St George’s hospital, (we were the March 1971 set, and all adored her, she was highly skilled and really fun, a huge personality)! Such a sad loss. Thank you.
December 5, 2020 at 2:39 pm
Sue Cranmer
Dear Cara
Thank you so much for your response.
My mother when she was 14 was employed by the family for a short time as a Nurse Maid. Mum is now 88. She looked after Erica, who I think was her favourite, her sister and I think there was a brother. The family lived in a beautiful big old house on the outskirts of Pembury, Tunbridge Wells. Mum also spoke about Erica being killed in a plane accident and too be honest we never really believed her. One Christmas when mum was visiting I put Erica’s name into the Internet and shockingly realised that mum was right and she had in fact died as she had said. So very sad.
Mums time with the Sworders was short but happy and I know she thought a lot of Erica because of the amount of time she would talk about her.
I will pass on your comments to my mum and tell her about Erica’s short life and what she did. So very sad.
Thank you for taking the time to tell me.
December 5, 2020 at 2:52 pm
Cara Grant
Dear Sue,
Thank you for your very swift reply!
It’s lovely to hear your Mum’s good memories of Erica, who we all knew and loved as ‘Sister Sworder’! I was inspired by her to want to take up midwifery myself after completing general nursing training (of which her obstetric course was a module), but I got married soon after and had children of my own, so didn’t go on to do midwifery! But one of my daughters did instead!
December 5, 2020 at 3:37 pm
Sue
I wonder why she was on that flight that day.
So awful for everyone involved
March 4, 2024 at 9:37 pm
Anonymous
Hi Cara
I’m trying to make contact as I am Erica’s sister and would love to find out more about her time teaching you back in 1971. She absolutely loved her job. Please try and get in touch. I’ve no idea how this blog works but it would be great to find out more.
Barbara ( Erica’s youngest sister)
March 5, 2024 at 6:58 am
Anonymous
hi Barbara
I’m Sue my mother looked after you and Erica and I think you had a brother many years ago when you lived just outside Pembury in Kent. She had very found memories of your sister and your family . Do you remember her ? Her name was Joan Jenner.
sue
April 24, 2024 at 6:20 pm
Anonymous
Dear Barbara, hello is this the right place to reply?
Cara G
December 1, 2016 at 4:11 am
Tiny Dragon
Since a few here have expressed interest in Michael Hannah and Twinkle, I really recommend listening to Twinkle’s ‘Michael Hannah’ album. It’s a beautiful, devastating work from an underrated talent. She wrote the album while he was still alive and recorded it after he died, and it is full of raw emotion. It is often loving and poignant, but she wasn’t afraid to be honest and show her petty jealousy and the less flattering sides of her obsession, either. The liner notes are a lengthy look at the writer’s friendship with Michael Hannah and Twinkle’s relationship with him, which I found very interesting (but apparently others didn’t, oh well). Probably hard to get your hands on now, but you can find the writer David Evans’ book ‘When The Music Stops’ on Google Books and it has some of his Michael Hannah story in there.
January 18, 2017 at 10:04 pm
Sam Worrall
This crash had a profound effect on me and my family. We had lived in Istanbul since 1965 and were due to leave for Britain in 1974 on BEA. I remember BEA contacting us and telling my Mum that there was going to be a 24 hr strike on the day we were due to fly but not to worry because everyone had been transferred to Turkish Airways. Now my Mum was a nervous flier and would only ever fly on BEA or Lufthansa as quite frankly she distrusted any other airline. I remember her very stubbornly refusing to be transferred and insisting that something be done about it. In the end BEA offered to put us up in a hotel so that we could fly BEA the following day. I have vivid memories of me (I was ten at the time) and my brother Ian complaining bitterly and trying to persuade my mum to let us go that day as we were excited to see England and I remember my dad laughing at my mother’s paranoia. The next memory I have is us coming back to the hotel having been out to eat and there being a lot of commotion in the foyer and people crying and I remember the receptionist telling us that the THY DC10 had crashed. The shock was intense and I remember feeling what I now know to be survivor guilt. Needles to say the 1970s phone system in Istanbul at the time was unable to cope with the subsequent flurry of calls and we were unable to get word home that we had not boarded the plane as was stated on the news in the UK. My other 2 siblings in Britain and all our relatives thought we were dead, well actually my 14 yr old brother Mark was apparently quite calm and was insisting that mum would never be on a THY flight. I then remember my parents calling people from a payphone in Heathrow and hearing the squeals of joy coming down the line, it still gives me goosebumps today and I feel a strange connection with the poor souls that perished that day in a wood near Paris.
March 5, 2017 at 12:21 am
Zeynep
My aunt snd her husbsnd were just married for two weeks…
March 5, 2017 at 11:05 am
Anonymous
Thinking of all those poor souls who perished that day, 3rd March 1974 – in particular a young teacher from my school who was on that plane with her husband,. Joyce and John Wilson. I have never forgotten her. Such a lovely couple. May you all rest in eternal peace
.
March 24, 2017 at 6:28 pm
Marc Dorman
I never knew there was a site dedicated to all those who lost their lives in this dreadful disaster. I came across it by chance when reading about another air crash and it immediately brought back memories of my next door neighbour, Pamela Sheel, who died in the crash. I was 13 at the time and Pamela, who I understand was nicknamed ‘The Princess’, was one of a number of top models who lived in Holyport Road, Fulham, London where I grew up. My friends and I, all being around that awkward boys age of 13 absolutely loved having these beautiful young ladies living there!
My mum and dad were very upset when Pamela died and mum kept a newspaper clipping of the disaster which included a picture of Pamela. I think we still have the clipping. Pamela was lovely and friendly as were the other models I can recall the names of – Nancy with blonde hair and an orange Volkswagen Beetle and Irene. We even formed a ceremonial line of skateboards when one of the girls got married and she went underneath (that may have been Irene).
I’ve never forgotten Pamela even though it’s over 43 years since she died and so I was very pleased to find this site and read through some of the comments. I did see Nancy Galloway’s comments about Pamela from a number of years back and I’m pretty sure she must be the Nancy who lived next door to me in Fulham. It would be nice to know if it was indeed her.
March 28, 2018 at 10:36 am
Dawn Slough
Such hearfelt comments about all who died on this ghastly day. Twinkle was my sister and Mickey, as we called him, is or was Godfather to my daughter who is now aTV documentary director. I am writing a play about the 60s and about Twinkle and my life at the time, I was one of the female journalists who wrote most of the stuff of the time. The play will include the news of the crash as it happened in our family and a visit to Ermenonvile soon after it. Twinkle had already married top model Graham Rogers at the time of the crash and they were happy for 44 years till her death but the crash coloured the rest of her and my life. Mickey was our boy and so loved by my family. Writing the play has brought it all back and made me quite ill in a way. God bless you all. Dawn James. (now Dawn Slough)
November 2, 2019 at 5:00 pm
Gloria Lorandos
I was supposed to be on that trip as a model,but I had another booking on one of the days they were away.I worked quite a bit with Mike Hannah,I knew Graham Rogers very well,having worked with him to.
Also I was in the studio to do a few reshoots from the trip the next day.The photographers couldn’t get on the plane because all the equipment weighed too much.
Carlton Studios was very sad that day.
I went to the memorial service in Knightsbridge,and no one was talking,just locked in their own memories of such special people.Pru Pratt, Wendy Wheal,Mike Hannah,and the client,which was a British catalogue.
It seems just last week for me,and if British Airways had not been on strike,so they had to find an alternative,I think they would still be here today.RIP. 😭
June 30, 2018 at 7:37 pm
George Banks
Dear Dawn, I was aTwinkle fan in the sixties and have most of her records. I have the CD Tribute to Michael Hannah and know from reading she was absolutely devastated by his death. He was obviously very talented and would no doubt have revived her career.As I have been employed by airlines for 45 years, (now retired) …I obviously took notice of the THY crash at Paris at the time and read the book about the accident. I was so sad to read Twinkle had died. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
January 24, 2020 at 9:53 pm
Anonymous
Has this site now finished. My friend who died was Lionel Ware and I managed to make contact with his daughter Emma Willis for a short time. Sending fond remembrance of him and thinking of all who perished once again. With love. Liz
July 8, 2020 at 8:16 pm
Josephpam
доброкачественный вебресурс кардинг форум
July 15, 2020 at 10:00 pm
Julie beck
My grandad died in this crash I never got the chance too meet him because of this. My mum also never had a dad because of this. I would like too know why my grandads name was never put on the monument
July 15, 2020 at 10:21 pm
Helen Khezrzadeh
Hi Julie. My grandfather also died in this crash. Senlis council contacted all families at the time and asked if the name of the loved one could be displayed. I believe some who did not respond were left off. We worked hard to get all the names out on however we had to have the families consent.
November 13, 2020 at 1:46 am
Julie beck
Hello I’m sorry I only just saw this. My mum was under the impression that the name had to be paid for and at the time my nan didn’t have the money to do this. (this is just the information told too me) is there any way of having his name added do you know?
November 24, 2020 at 5:29 pm
Duncan Bradley
Julie, another family have just managed to have their family names added. They were able to find a local who helped them, as my contact with the Mayor’s office went on deaf ears.Please email me at duncan.bradley at gmail.com if you would like me to see if I can get the contact details for you.
PS I’m Helen’s father.
September 29, 2020 at 8:46 pm
JosephMew
https://fierrohack.ru/ – приватный чит гта онлайн, чит меню гта онлайн
October 10, 2020 at 10:42 pm
john wick 1
thank you so much
October 30, 2020 at 5:07 am
john young
thank you hun
November 12, 2020 at 5:22 am
john zink
thank you meme
April 2, 2022 at 11:20 am
Sally Basrow
My mother died in this crash.
I have just visited the site and was moved to find pieces of the wreckage still on the ground.
It’s a beautiful peaceful forest and guy macron’s poem is very touching.
Has anyone thought of having a 50year memorial?
Sally
April 2, 2022 at 6:04 pm
Duncan Bradley
Hi Sally. We had a 40th anniversary gathering for which we have a video if you are interested. It is likely that we will do another gathering for the 50th, so please send me your email and mobile number to Duncan dot Bradley at Gmail dot com, I can add you to our various contact groups so you can get information.
Regards
Duncan
April 4, 2022 at 1:53 pm
Sally Barrow
Brilliant Duncan. Thank you so much for getting in touch. I’ll email you.
Warm regards
Sally
February 21, 2024 at 12:21 am
Anonymous
I was moved by this crash and I’m thinking of going to the site on March 3 2024 to pay my respects. I am not sure because I am afraid this could be seen as disrespectful since I have no connection to this crash.