nightrider Posted January 20, 2009 Report Share Posted January 20, 2009 I'm wondering if anyone out there in the land of web can help fill me in with any information on the sad demise of young Brett Alderton ? Brett, an 18 year old Aussie, tipped to be a possible future world champion was guesting for King's Lynn ( his home team being Milton Keynes.) when he was fatally wounded on 17th April 1982. He passed away on 21st April in hospital. I have searched the net and cannot really find any further information. I know Brett was Australian - but from where exactly? He was 18 - does anyone know his date of birth? He was fatally wounded in a track crash - but what was the cause of the crash and was anyone else involved? Was his body flown home to Australia? Does anyone have a photograph they could link and post? Any further info / stories about Brett and his time in the Uk? All information would be most welcome. Thanks Nightrider Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiderweb Posted January 21, 2009 Report Share Posted January 21, 2009 (edited) ALDERTON, Brett (Milton Keynes & Australia)..........................April 21, 1982............King's Lynn (April 17) Taken from this site http://www.geocities.com/bullpointer/memoriam A sad but needed site. Edited January 21, 2009 by spiderweb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knowle Posted January 21, 2009 Report Share Posted January 21, 2009 Brett Alderton born 3.12.1963 Seven Hills, Sydney, New South Wales. Son of former rider Denis Alderton .Began riding when only 14 at Nepean training track. Made his public debut at Canberra before arriving in UK 1981.(taken from Peter Oakes 1982 Yearbook.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WATigerman Posted January 21, 2009 Report Share Posted January 21, 2009 (edited) unknown MK rider This looks like Derek Harrison to me Jim. Edited January 21, 2009 by WATigerman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mervjankefanclub Posted January 21, 2009 Report Share Posted January 21, 2009 I'll dig out the other one. Found another Here and Here Those two are Bob Humphreys, Jim. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panthersfan Posted January 21, 2009 Report Share Posted January 21, 2009 I'm wondering if anyone out there in the land of web can help fill me in with any information on the sad demise of young Brett Alderton ? Brett, an 18 year old Aussie, tipped to be a possible future world champion was guesting for King's Lynn ( his home team being Milton Keynes.) when he was fatally wounded on 17th April 1982. He passed away on 21st April in hospital. I have searched the net and cannot really find any further information. I know Brett was Australian - but from where exactly? He was 18 - does anyone know his date of birth? He was fatally wounded in a track crash - but what was the cause of the crash and was anyone else involved? Was his body flown home to Australia? Does anyone have a photograph they could link and post? Any further info / stories about Brett and his time in the Uk? All information would be most welcome. Thanks Nightrider I can't recall everything my mum has told me about him, but she's a member on here, so I'll get her to reply later. My dad (Ray Wood) used to ride for MK and my mum was a fan, and through that they both knew Brett. From what my mum has told me rather tragically recently Brett had bought a full-face helmet, however, that fateful day, for whatever reason, he'd chosen to wear his old helmet. I'm not sure whether anyone else was involved in the accident, but I believe not. Some members of my family are still in contact with Dennis Alderton from time to time. Anyway, that's slightly beyond the point, but i'll point my mother the way of this thread and hopefully she'll have many a story to tell which will help you out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nightrider Posted January 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2009 Thank you all so very much. I look forward to further replies. Great to see a picture if possible. I do remember seeing Brett and want to remind myself of what he looked like. All is much apreciated. Nightrider Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panthersfan Posted January 21, 2009 Report Share Posted January 21, 2009 Brett was a friend of myself and my family and I can hardly believe that it is nearly 27 years since his death. He actually died in Addenbrooks hospital in Cambridge on April 20th 1982. He was riding in the 2nd half at Kings Lynn on April 17th. the race began as normal, I am not sure how many laps had been done, but they were just coming round a bend when the rider just in front of him fell. Brett had no chance to take evasive action as he was so close, clipped the rear wheel of the fallen bike and was catapulted off his bike to hit the concrete fence face first. First aid staff ran to his aid as he had swallowed his tongue, but the bottom half of his face was severely damaged: he had a broken jaw,broken nose and cheekbones, so you can imagine he looked quite a mess. He was rushed to the QE2 hospital in Kings Lynn, where he was stabilised and then taken to Addenbrookes where he was put in ICU (this was before air ambulances). His parents were contacted and his father made the long journey over here in order to be with him. Unfortunately, he never regained consiousness, but life support kept him going while tests were done. On the Tuesday evening, it was anounced, at Milton Keynes, "to prepare for the worst possible news". His father made the difficult decision to switch off life support after it was decided that his brain stem was dead. Brett was cremated at a private service in Cambridge and his ashes were flown to Australia, where a memorial service was held. His ashes were buried in a cemetry outside Sydney in a place where the paths are ironically shaped like a speedway track! It is also the last resting place of Billy Sanders. As Sean said, Brett usually wore a full face Bell moto 3 helmet but for some reason decided to change to an open face one. one strange thing :- Bretts parents only ever got back the leathers he was wearing and his spare helmet. I think his bike was sold. The rest of his belongings were never returned, apart from his watch which was claimed back fom someone (and he knows who he is) who stood in for Bretts parents as next of kin before Dennis made it over here. The person in question was actually wearing it at Bretts memorial service! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panthersfan Posted January 21, 2009 Report Share Posted January 21, 2009 (edited) Forgot to add: I have got some photos of Brett, I will try to post them on here once I find them Oh, and the money raised at his memorial meeting was supposed to have gone to Den and Barbara to cover their costs. They refused, so it was decided that it should go to the then new Milton Keynes hospital......only thing is, nobody knows just where it went! Edited January 21, 2009 by panthersfan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nightrider Posted January 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2009 (edited) Thank you so much for your replies - they are so special and important. A friend has had 'dreams' that prompted them to research further. The 'watch' info is very interesting. I'm sorry I can not divulge further but to respect privacy I have to be careful. Every comment is treated with the utmost respect and cherished I can assure you. Does any one have parental or sibling contact info? Thank you Nightrider. Edited January 21, 2009 by nightrider Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erasuretim Posted January 22, 2009 Report Share Posted January 22, 2009 Bob Humpherys was instrumental in bringing Brett to Milton Keynes, I think he knew the family. His first season was steady, but he blossomed in his second season and a few nights before the crash he scored a paid maximum. I think the rider who fell off in front of him was Jeremy Doncaster. After the accident a tree was planted in the centre green of Bob Humphreys training track at Elfield Park in his memory by my dad. Brett used to practice there most Sundays. If anyone is in contact with his family, please tell them that speedway fans in MK still remember what a nice bloke Brett was and are still saddened by their loss. He had the potential to go all the way to the top I thought. Regards Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rusky Posted January 22, 2009 Report Share Posted January 22, 2009 He was riding in the 2nd half at Kings Lynn on April 17th. the race began as normal, I am not sure how many laps had been done, but they were just coming round a bend when the rider just in front of him fell. Brett had no chance to take evasive action as he was so close, clipped the rear wheel of the fallen bike and was catapulted off his bike to hit the concrete fence face first. Not strictly accurate I think, Panthersfan. There was no concrete fence at Lynn in those days I'm sure. It was a wooden fence and I think he hit one of the posts. I was there that night and was in the pits packing up. From what I recall there was a definite revving of an engine, as if a throttle had stuck, and an almighty bang as if the impact to the fence was square. Then there was a total silence until the county ambulance appeared. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
star ghost Posted January 23, 2009 Report Share Posted January 23, 2009 Quite right Rusky. it was an ordinary wooden fence in them days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rusky Posted January 24, 2009 Report Share Posted January 24, 2009 I think the rider who fell off in front of him was Jeremy Doncaster. Been thinking about this, and I think the other rider involved was not Jeremy, but his brother Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salty Posted January 25, 2009 Report Share Posted January 25, 2009 John Berry's book "Confessions of a Speedway Promoter" covers the fatal accident and aftermath in some depth. Berry was standing on the centre green when the accident occurred. Also quickly on the scene was Preben Eriksen and it was these two who removed Brett's helmet. Then to quote the book "We both looked at each other. Although Brett was fighting for breath, and therefore still alive, we both knew the score there and then." Can't believe it is so long since this happened - 1982 was a bad year for our sport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erasuretim Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Can't believe it is so long since this happened - 1982 was a bad year for our sport. The next year was also bad for Milton Keynes when Craig Featherby was killed at Peterborough. Within a year the team had 2 riders killed - a very sad time. Regards tiim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbie Posted July 25, 2009 Report Share Posted July 25, 2009 Bob Humpherys was instrumental in bringing Brett to Milton Keynes, I think he knew the family. His first season was steady, but he blossomed in his second season and a few nights before the crash he scored a paid maximum. I think the rider who fell off in front of him was Jeremy Doncaster. After the accident a tree was planted in the centre green of Bob Humphreys training track at Elfield Park in his memory by my dad. Brett used to practice there most Sundays. If anyone is in contact with his family, please tell them that speedway fans in MK still remember what a nice bloke Brett was and are still saddened by their loss. He had the potential to go all the way to the top I thought. Regards Tim This is so nice to see people are still talking about Brett in our hearts it feels like Brett was here yesterday and yes years go so fast. Brett was one of the best kids; we spent many a day a night with the Den Barb and Brett we have had so many fun times and for these times we have been lucky.Barb and Den would be so happy to know people are still asking about Brett and i will pass this on. We miss and Love Brett very much he is our special star Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reviresco Posted July 28, 2009 Report Share Posted July 28, 2009 I was at Saddlebow Road on the night of Brett's fatal accident, as the late Billy Sanders was riding for the Stars that season. Billy was Brett's idol and was thrilled to bits to get a chance at Kings Lynn. I was standing on the 2nd bend and remember that a rider in front of Brett fell going down the back straight before the 3rd bend. His bike bounced off the safety fence into Brett's path. I believe the rider was Ron Schliebs, an Australian who was mechanic for Billy at the time, but it may have been Nick Doncaster who crashed. Ron was in the race. I also believe that Billy was one of the first on the scene and was devastated by what he found. Brett had said that when he got a $10 head he would get a $10 dollar helmet, but it was obvious that a sub standard helmet contributed to the fatality. Brett's parents gave permission for some of his organs to be used in transplants and I remember some of the national press running the story that Brett's heart had been transplanted. I only really knew Brett through Billy, but he was a lovely young lad who just loved speedway. He was having a very good season at MK and there was no reason why he couldn't have progressed succesfully to the British League. Another very sad loss for motor sport and speedway in particular. Some of the best and nicest get taken early. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mervjankefanclub Posted July 28, 2009 Report Share Posted July 28, 2009 (edited) I seem to recall Milton Keynes staging a truly star-studded and fitting memorial for Brett Alderton that year, with plenty of top stars from the BL, including, if I remember right, the reigning world champ Bruce Penhall I may be wrong, but werent Nigel and Corey Alderton who rode over here for Edinburgh, the brothers or cousins of Brett Edited July 28, 2009 by mervjankefanclub Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erasuretim Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 I have a DVD of old Milton Keynes footage, which features a race with Brett riding in it [with Bob Humpherys v Oxford]. I could easily rip a copy and send it to the family in Australia, if they would like a copy. Regards Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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