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Edward Medal Awards.Edward Medal Awards arranged by colliery.
A.Stephens, Frederick George, Under-Manager, Aberaman Colliery, 2nd Class, 10 September, 1915. A collier named Gamble was buried by a fall of roof and sides. Further falls occurred, as efforts were made to free him. The area was so dangerous that Gambles rescuers had moved away from him, despite Gambles pleas for help. When Stephens arrived he used his body to protect Gamble and asked for volunteers to clear away the overhanging stones. Stephens used his strength to prevent stones falling on Gamble and was injured in the process. Two hours elapsed before Gamble was free. Harper, Thomas, Collier, Ackton Hall Colliery, Bronze, 6 May, 1918. Holdway, Frederick, Deputy, Ackton Hall Colliery, Silver, 6 May, 1918. Laver, George Henry, Under-Manager, Ackton Hall Colliery, Bronze, 6 May, 1918. A heavy fall of roof occurred on a face and trapped one of the men working there. A team of men toiled for almost twenty-four hours, under extremely dangerous conditions, to rescue the trapped man. Bradley, Frank, Main Road Examiner, Arthur and Edward Mine Forest of Dean, Silver, 30 June, 1949. Manwaring, Thomas George, Haulage Man, Arthur and Edward Forest of Dean, Bronze, 30 June, 1949. Simmonds, Oswald George, Deputy, Arthur and Edward Mine, Forest of Dean, Bronze, 30 June, 1949. Old workings, filled with water, were broken into. Men were ordered to leave as soon as the water rushed in. Bradley took charge of the man-riding trolleys that ran along a steep main road leading to the shaft. This helped the men to escape quickly. Bradley refused to leave the pit as some of his men were still underground even though he risked being trapped below ground. Simmonds went round his district ordering men out of the pit and informing them on the safest route to take. He was going to leave his district when he was told of two men who were still in the area. He went to help them and found Manwaring had remained to help them. Simmonds and Manwaring helped the two men (who were old) and at times they carried them. Making their way to the main shaft they met Bradley. They telephoned the surface and were informed that the flood cut them off from the main shaft, however, it may be possible to travel through mine roadways to another shaft. (old Pluds Colliery shaft). They all headed towards the second shaft; one of the old men was exhausted and travelling was difficult as they waded through water, scambled over falls, and found the air was foul in places. After almost seven hours underground they got to the second shaft. A winch was erected and two volunteers were lowered down the shaft to the trapped men so they could be winched to the surface. Withers, Matthew, Deputy, Annesley Colliery, 2nd Class, 18 August, 1913. William Broughton was buried by a fall. Withers was nearby he had to make his way to the opposite side of the fall to reach a position near Broughton. He cleared dirt away with his hands so he could reach Broughton's head. He protected Broughton by placing timber across large stones before another fall buried both men and extinguished a lamp. Wither's arms were free and he managed to free himself so he could begin rescuing Broughton again. Help arrived but there was only room for one man to work. Withers continued rescuing Broughton even though he was injured and he uncovered him enough for him to be pulled to safety. Purser, Eli, Miner, Askern Main Colliery, Bronze, 31 May, 1917. Stokes, Thomas, Collier, Askern Main Colliery, Silver, 31 May, 1917. Taylor, George Henry, Miner, Askern Main Colliery, Silver, 31 May, 1917. White, Thomas James, Miner, Askern Main Colliery, Bronze, 31 May, 1917. A roof fall trapped two men, one completely buried near the edge of the fall, and the other was partly buried, but severely injured. The fall area extended almost 18 sq. yards. After eight hours working in conditions where further falls could have buried the rescuers, the trapped men were released. Morgan, Gwyn, Agent, Askern Main Colliery, Silver, 3 January, 1940. Thompson, Matthew, Miner, Askern Main Colliery, Bronze, 3 January, 1940. Smith, Charles, Collier, Askern Main Colliery, Bronze, 3 January, 1940. Charles Liversidge was buried up to his shoulders by a fall. About three hours later he was freed by rescuers who worked in perilous conditions to clear away the debris surrounding Liversidge. Small falls occurred frequently during the rescue operation and a big fall occurred later, which closed the passageway Liversidge had been brought through. BGreen, James, Foreman, Bamfurlong Mine, 1st Class, 23 December, 1911. Mitchell, John, Miner, Bamfurlong Mine, 1st Class, 23 December, 1911. Large quantities of water broke into the Bamfurlong Mine and a heavy fall cut off 13 men. Mitchell searched the tunnels to find a way to reach the trapped men. Water continued to rise as he did this, placing him in danger. He managed to make a passage through to the men and they were rescued. Green heard of the inrush of water and went down a dip to warn his men. Water was already rushing down the roads and he risked his life to warn his men, who were all saved. Two hours elapsed before he was out of danger. Burton, Archibald, Collier, Barley Colliery, Bronze, 12 November, 1927. Burton and his work-mate Gleaves, were setting supports when a sudden roof fall trapped Gleaves by his feet. Two lamps belonging to the men were put out and they were in the dark. Burton found Gleaves but was unable to free him. Burton managed to find some timber and he built a shield over Gleaves to protect him. Then he went for help in complete darkness. Another fall occurred, which buried Gleaves to the hips. Burton obtained another lamp and returned to free Gleaves. Another miner, named Moss, came and he helped to set more timber supports to protect Gleaves. Others arrived and helped to clear away the fall. They reached Gleaves feet then had to leave due to another fall that buried Gleaves completely. Eventually after four or five hours Gleaves was freed. Blackburn, Sydney, Shotfirer, Barnsley Main Colliery, Bronze, 7 May, 1947. Crummack, Harry, Chargeman Filler, Barnsley Main Colliery, Bronze, 7 May, 1947. After an explosion Blackburn and Crummack led men to safety. Later they returned and found some injured men; they helped them and then continued through dust and fumes to search for others. They took reasonable precautions however, they disregarded their own safety to ensure that no miners were left unattended. Hatcher, Arthur, Collier, Barnsley Main Colliery, Bronze, 10 October, 1922. A workmen named Burton had an epileptic fit when transporting a tub down an incline. Hatcher and some other men found him and they were carrying him towards an exit road when a tub from the top of the incline started running down the road towards them. Hatcher heard it coming and went up the road to try to stop the tub. He threw himself in front of the tub and stopped it. He received serious injuries to his the spine and legs. Hatcher risked his life stopping the tub, because he knew they were all in danger and there was nowhere for them escape to. Yates, Phillip William, Collier, Bentley Colliery, Bronze, 29 November, 1931. Allport, Ernest, Deputy, Bentley Colliery, Silver, 29 November 1931. Darker, Richard Edward, Pony Driver / Haulage Hand, Bentley Colliery, Bronze, 20 November, 1931. Frazer, Edgar Hamilton, H.M. Inspector of Mines, Bentley Colliery, Silver, 20 November, 1931. Ward, John, Pony Driver, Bentley Colliery, Silver, 29 November, 1931. Temperley, Samuel Jarrett, Colliery Surveyor, Bentley Colliery, Silver, 29 November, 1931. Sykes, Frank, Collier, Bentley Colliery, Bronze, 29 November 1931. Soulsby, Oliver, Collier, Bentley Colliery, Bronze, 29 November, 1931. An firedamp explosion occurred in the North East District. Ward, a pony driver, was in an area near the coal face. He was blown off his feet and there was dust all around him. When he recovered he went towards the face, using rails and tubs to guide him and helped an injured man towards safety. He repeatedly returned to help other injured men and brought them to a safe area of the pit. He carried on this rescue work for about three hours and he was exhausted. Darker, Soulsby, Sykes and Yates rescued injured miners and took them to safety. The atmosphere was hot and foul and there was a risk of more explosions. Two more explosions did occur and one of them injured some men in a rescue party led by Temperley. Temperley had volunteered to lead a rescue party to the return airway via the face. Some men were still alive in that area. On the way an explosion took place severely burning three of the rescue party. The party returned, but Temperley, without breathing apparatus, went with one of the Mines Inspectors, to the entrance of the airway and then helped to carry an injured man out past one of the fires. He also assisted others. Allport, a member of the colliery Rescue Team, played an important role in rescue operations. He was in breathing apparatus for over three hours and when his rescue apparatus was exhausted, he helped to load men on to stretchers. Frazer, an H.M. Divisional Inspector of Mines, explored some of the most dangerous areas. Venturing among flames, smoke and afterdamp without breathing apparatus. When he heard moaning in the return airway he ran to summon a rescue party, however, he returned without waiting for them. He stayed in the most dangerous area helping to organise rescue operations and helping to take two men out past a fire. He was exhausted but he continued his efforts until all the men, alive and dead, who were reported to be in the district had been extricated. Cook, Joseph, Miner, Blackhouse Colliery, 2nd Class, 31 January, 1914. Cook was near the bottom of an old shaft filled with rubbish. Water had accumulated in it, and the weight of the debris burst out the pack walls at the bottom of the shaft. Cook rushed inbye to warn Wilson and Coates, whose only way out was past the bottom of the old shaft. The debris filled the road up from top to bottom, a distance of some thirty-five yards, before the three men could escape. The three men were eventually rescued after twenty-two hours. Cook risked his life to warn Wilson and Coates. Jameson, Thomas, Agent, Bold Colliery, Bronze, 14 February, 1940. Schofield, Carl Mallinson, Miner, Bold Colliery, Bronze, 14 February, 1940. A serious roof fall took place in the main loading level of Bold Colliery, completely burying five men. Rescue operations began immediately and after one and a quarter hours one man was freed. He was able to walk out of the pit with some help, and he told the agent, Thomas Jameson, approximately where the other four men were. Jameson was assisted by a night shift foreman, Carl Schofield, whose father was among those buried. They removed stones and dirt by hand as there was insufficient room for a shovel, then sawed through a conveyor chain and a rail. After prolonged efforts one man was rescued. Other men took turns in the rescue operations and a third man was released. Two other men were visible but they appeared to be dead. Conditions were extremely difficulty and dangerous owing to the risk of further falls. Almost immediately after the third man was freed there was a big fall that completely blocked the hole the rescuers had used for access. Crofts, Samuel, Deputy, Bretby Colliery, Bronze, 11 September, 1929. Gough, John Ingram, Stallman, Bretby Colliery, Bronze, 11th September 1929. Two men, Redfern and Hardwick, were filling coal with other men and were told to leave as a shot was about to be fired nearby. As they were leaving a roof fall occurred which buried Redfern and Hardwick. Crofts and others tried to free the trapped men even though more falls were taking place. Crofts continued his attempts to rescue Redfern until a massive fall occurred, which killed Redfern and knocked Crofts down. He was bruised but didn't give up his rescue attempt until he had crawled under the fall and was satisfied that Redfern was dead. Meanwhile, Gough and others were trying to free Hardwick. They removed the fall from around Hardwick's head and shoulders and covered his body with timber. This saved his life when the second large fall occurred. During these rescue attempts the rescuers had to withdraw several times and take shelter from further the falls. Two hours of dangerous work elapsed before Hardwick was rescued alive and Redfern's body was recovered. All the rescue party displayed amazing bravery and risked their own safety. But according to the men involved in the rescue, Crofts and Gough were the most prominent in risking their lives. Golledge, Herbert John, Hitcher, Braysdown Colliery, 2nd Class, 26 February, 1917. George Weeks, the Colliery Under-Manager, was being brought up the shaft in the cage when the cage struck a water pipe. The pipe had moved and was sticking out from the shaft wall. The roof of the cage was pierced and Weeks was severely injured. The cage could not be moved. Golledge was working at a level about halfway down the shaft. He heard Weeks moaning and he climbed down to the cage using the buntons, or girders, which were round the shaft. The buntons were between 5 and 6 feet apart. Once Golledge reached the cage he gave first aid to Weeks and stayed with him until the cage had been freed and brought to bank, about two hours later. Thomas, Thomas, Collier, Brynamman Colliery, Bronze, 21 September, 1933. There was an inrush of water in the Brass Vein Slant, Thomas assisted a youth to reach an area where several colliers were gathered. The youth had lost his lamp and was unable, in the dark and with the inrush of water, to make his way to safety, Thomas put himself at risk to help the youth. The men split into two groups looking for a way out. The group Thomas was in travelled a roadway which was flooded and obstructed by timber and rails that had been washed there by the inrush of water. Thomas was at the rear of the group and they managed to reach safety. He then returned to the other group to guide them to safety. Thomas was the last to leave. Edwards, George, Collier, Bryncethin Colliery, 2nd Class, 22nd July 1911 A road was being driven in order to release an accumulation of gas. Suddenly there was an outburst, which rushed through a borehole. The manager and three men were overcome. Edwards, who was at home, was sent for, and with a rope tied round his legs he attempted to reach three men who had not been rescued. The gas overpowered him and he was dragged back to safety. When he recovered he tried a few more times to reach the three men and eventually he succeeded. He attached a rope to the bodies of two of the men and they were pulled out. Edwards faced considerable risks to his own life. Unfortunately the three men died. Davies, John Cyril, Under-Manager, Bullcroft Main Colliery, Silver, 11 June, 1947. Looking for details of this award. (Barytes and lead mine). Paddock, Robert Edward, Miner, Bulthy Mine, Bronze, 29 April, 1921. Chidley, Joseph Thomas, Miner, Bulthy Mine, Bronze, 29 April, 1921. Chidley and three other men, were pumping water from old workings. The foreman was affected by fumes from a petrol engine. He told men to leave. He lost unconsciousness and Chidley carried him out even though he was affected by the gas himself and was semiconscious when he arrived at the shaft. The two other men collapsed from the affects of the gas. Paddock, who came to work after the other men, went inbye and met Chidley and the foreman. He helped them to fresh air, then returned and made two attempts to reach the two men who had collapsed but the gas drove him back. He returned to the surface, and consulted with Chidley, who had recovered. They made a third attempt and managed to reach one of the men. They got him to the shaft but were affected by gas and they had to leave him. (sadly he died but the man whom they could not reach regained consciousness and made his way out of the mine. Evans, Henry, Manager, Bwlffa and Merthyr Dare Colliery, 2nd Class, 6 April, 1910. Protheroe, William Richard, Under-Manager, Bwllfa and Merthyr Dare Colliery, 2nd Class, 6 April, 1910. Jones, Gomer, Assistant Examiner, Bwlffa Dare Colliery, 2nd Class, 6 April, 1910. John Isaac, a repairer, was engaged in inspecting the return airway. He was going under a timbered bridge when it collapsed without warning. Tons of debris covered him. Isaac was saved from instant death because timber partially supported the fall. His assistant ran for help and Protheroe, the under manager, and Jones, soon arrived, followed by Evans. They discovered Isaac was approximately seven feet below them and he was buried up to his his head. The area around Isaac was dangerous and there was a risk of more falls. However, the three men started digging with their hands, and sawed timber as they advanced to make a narrow tunnel to Isaac. After over nine hours they cleared a space big enough to allow Isaac to be pulled out. The place Isaac had been trapped in collapsed just after he was brought out. CDunbar, Robert, Miner, Cadder Colliery, 2nd Class, 3 August, 1913. A fire occurred, and most men who did not know where the fire had started, went into the main airway. Smoke was carried down this roadway and they were overcome by fumes. Dunbar used his knowledge of the mine and brought two men to fresh air by another route, after having courageously waited for and revived one of them who had collapsed. After returning to the surface, Dunbar again descended the mine to assist in the work of rescue, and, in the course of the subsequent operations, succeeded in saving one of the rescue party who was overcome. Benton, Henry, Collier, Cadeby Main Colliery, 2nd Class, 27 October, 1908. John Churms, John Green, and Henry Benton were working when a heavy fall of roof occurred. Green and Churms were buried. Benton heard the fall and rushed to their assistance, ignoring the danger. He pulled Green out, who was trapped by his legs. All of their lamps had been put out so they were in complete darkness. The injured Green was removed to a safe position, then Benton went for assistance. He returned with another lamp but found another, greater fall, had occurred and Churm's could not be saved. Thomas, Rees, Collier, Castle Colliery, Bronze, 13 January, 1922. Thomas was working with two other miners, Meredith and Griffiths, blasting with gelignite cartridges fired by time fuses. The men were retiring to safety after the fuses of three cartridges had been ignited. A cartridge fired by Meredith exploded prematurely, severely injuring him. Thomas, immediately went to Meredith's assistance, and was dragging him back when the other charges exploded injuring Thomas's face and body. Evans, Wyndham, Overman, Cilely Colliery, Bronze, 1 June, 1930. Lewis, Alwyn, Collier, Cilely Colliery, Bronze, 1 June, 1930. Rosser, Evan, Fireman, Cilely Colliery, Bronze, 1 June, 1930. At about 12 noon Herbert Clarke, surveyor, and Thomas William Rees, fireman, went down the pit to make a survey. When they failed to return by 5 p.m. the banksman descended the pit to look for them. He found that the men had been entombed by a fall. The banksman raised the alarm and at about 6.30 p.m. rescue operations began. Henry Davies, overman, Thomas Harding, William R. Evans, firemen, and Alwyn Lewis, collier, tried to remove the fall, but timbers supporting the lip of the cavity began to collapse. Temporary supports were put up and another attempt was made to clear the fall, but it had to be abandoned when a second fall narrowly missed Davies and William R. Evans. At 9.45 p.m. Wyndham Evans, overman, and Evan Rosser, fireman. joined in the rescue. It was decided to construct a small lightly-timbered tunnel through the loose material to reach the two men. Henry Davies and William Evans were exhausted at 12 midnight and were persuaded to retire. Harding, a night official, had to leave do his inspections. Lewis, Wyndham Evans and Rosser, under the supervision of the Under-manager, continued the working in relays. A 1 inch pipe was used to supply Clarke and Rees with water. By 2.30 a.m. Rosser managed to pass further nourishment through the tunnel to them. An hour later the tunnel was completed and Rosser got through to the two men who were then dragged out. Rosser was the last to leave the tunnel and he was scarcely clear when the tunnel collapsed. Stoppard, Samuel, Miner, Clay Cross No. 2 Pit, 2nd Class, 8 June, 1915. Haslam was hewing coal, when a fall of roof buried him up to his head. Stoppard rushed to free him but failed. The roof was bad and there was the danger of another fall. Stoppard set props and placed a steel plate over Haslam to protect him, before trying to free him again. There was another fall that buried Stoppard up to his waist but he managed to free himself. He continued his attempts to free Haslam. Sadly when Haslam was freed he was dead. Fletcher, Donald, Miner, Creswell Colliery, Bronze, 10 September, 1925. A big roof fall completely buried a man by the name of Cooper. Larger lumps of fallen roof wedged against other large lumps and this saved Cooper from being crushed to death. Cooper was buried near the edge of the fall. Fletcher volunteered to crawl under the debris to free Cooper. He removed obstacles piece by piece for two hours until Cooper was freed. Throughout this operation Fletcher risked being crushed to death by either another fall or by debris from the first fall. Birch, William, Collier, Coleorton Mine, 2nd Class, 14 December, 1910. Charles Marshall and William Birch were on road repair work when a fall occurred. Birch freed himself and was attempting to free Marshall when a second fall buried the two men almost up to their armpits. Birch freed himself once more but Marshall was still trapped and Birch tried again to release him. Marshall was nearly free when a third fall completely buried Marshall and partially trapped Birch by his legs. A miner called Witham was on his way from the coal-face and Birch shouted to him. Both were trying to release Marshall when a fourth fall occurred. Witham rushed to get more help, while Birch carried on with his efforts to free Marshall. Within five minutes Witham returned with extra help; after approximately half an hour Marshall was released but he was dead. Beresford, James, Deputy, Coppice Colliery, Bronze, 1 November, 1922. Richards, Stephen, Collier, Coppice Colliery, Bronze, 1 November, 1922. Two timbermen were buried by a large fall. Some men rushed to help and timber was erected over the trapped men to protect them in case of further falls. After approximately three hours the men were freed. Richards and Beresford were prominent in the rescue and their lives were at risk due to continuous falls. Chambers, John Edwin, Manager, Cortonwood Colliery, 2nd Class, 9 July, 1912. Fisher, George, Deputy, Cadeby Main Colliery, 1st Class, 9 July, 1912. Hulley, Harry, Deputy, Cadeby Main Colliery, 1st Class, 9 July, 1912. Prince, Walter Henry, Contractor, 2nd Class, 9 July, 1912. Williamson, Herbert, Mechanical Engineer, Denaby and Cadeby Collieries, 2nd Class, 9 July, 1912. Winch, William Charles, Sgt Instructor.Wath Rescue Station, 2nd Class, 9 July, 1912. Two explosions occurred in the South Workings, beginning at the coal face and extending along roads for almost half a mile. Hulley and Fisher were some of the first men to explore the districts after both explosions. They aided and removed injured men, then helped to build stoppings. Throughout the many hours they were in the mine there was always the risk of explosions and falls. Chambers descended the pit after the second explosion and explored a road near where the explosions took place; two lives were saved. He then went to assist in withdrawing all men. Prince helped organize rescue parties and assisted in saving life by the use of apparatus. He extinguished a fire which occurred while he was doing this work, then, he helped to build stoppings. Williamson supervised rescue work in some roads after the first explosion. A fall, caused by the second explosion, prevented progress for a time, but he got a body of men to clear a way over it to continue the rescue. After a third explosion he returned, by himself, to the affected roads. Winch and his brigade went into the workings after the first explosion to help in the rescue work. He was knocked down by the second explosion, but continued inbye to assist in saving lives by the use of his apparatus. Baird, David, Overman, Cowdenbeath Colliery, 1st Class, 20 January, 1917. Boyle, John, Chargeman, Cowdenbeath Colliery, 1st Class, 20 January, 1917. Christie, George Shearer, Manager, Cowdenbeath Colliery, 1st Class, 20 January, 1917. Erskine, James, Manager, Cowdenbeath Colliery, 1st Class, 29 January, 1917. McCafferty, Edward, Shanksman, Cowdenbeath Colliery, 1st Class, 20 January, 1917. Scott, Andrew, Miner, Cowdenbeath Colliery, 1st Class, 20 January, 1917. Work to widen the shaft was in progress when part of the shaft side collapsed. A man named Newton fell onto a scaffold about 90 feet down. Scott, McCafferty and Baird descended in a large bucket to try to rescue Newton. During this operation debris continually fell due to the hazardous condition of the shaft-side. Newton was alive and conscious but buried and trapped under about 12 feet of debris. These three men worked from 10.45 a.m. until 7 p.m. Christie joined them at 11 a.m. and Baird at 1.30 p.m., both worked with the others until 7 p.m. At 12.45 Boyle and two other men descended in the bucket. A fall occurred while they were descending, which killed one man and injured the other. Boyle drew the bucket to the shaft side until the fall stopped. He then took the bucket to the surface. He remained in charge of the bucket until 7 p.m. At 7 p.m., another rescue party took over. At 8.30 p.m. Newton died and the recovery of his body was postponed until the shaft was made safe. Jones, Thomas, Collier, Cwmcynon Colliery, 2nd Class, 19 November, 1917. Looking for details of this award. DShields, John, Miner, Darngavil Colliery, Bronze, 18 August, 1920. Seven men were working in a seam when there was an inrush of water into the shafts from the surface. The shaft bottom pump could not cope with the water and the men were in danger of being cut off. A surface engineman ran to tell Shields, who lived close by. Shields descended the shaft, travelled inbye and brought the men out. The water was constantly rising and Shields had no idea when it would close off the opening to the seam. Davies, Edmund, Fireman, Darran Colliery, 2nd Class, 29 October, 1909. Evans, William, Pit Carpenter, Darran Colliery, 2nd Class, 29 October, 1909. Owen, Evan, Under-Manager, Darran Colliery, 2nd Class, 29 October, 1909. Turner, William Wagner, Doctor, Darran Colliery, 2nd Class, 29 October, 1909. There was an explosion of coal dust in the Cardiff district. Evans was the first man down the pit after the explosion. He gave aid to men at the bottom of the shaft. Owen was one of the first in the mine after the explosion. During the day he accompanied several rescue parties to the furthest parts of the mine they could reach. He was partially overcome by poisonous gases several times. He continued with his efforts late in the day, when he was persuaded to go home. Davies was also one of the first to enter the mine and he made determined and continued efforts to help men who had been affected by the explosion. He was, on occasions, seriously affected by the foul air. Dr. Turner was the first medical man to come to the mine. He promptly went down the ladders of the upcast and pumping-shafts. Described as an awkward descent, for anyone unacquainted with mining work. He gave what assistance he could and was severely affected by afterdamp. Farrington, Robert, Under Manager, Deep Pit Pilkington's Colliery, Bronze, 26 February, 1918. Foster, Henry, Collier, Deep Pit Pilkington's Colliery, Bronze, 26 February, 1918. Pickering, Thomas, Jigger, Deep Pit Pilkington's Colliery, Bronze, 26 February, 1918. Peter Anders, a fireman, was inspecting a place when he was overcome by an accumulation of gas. His groans attracted several men. Where he lay was in complete darkness. It was dangerous to use a light. Pickering was the first to try to rescue the Anders. He managed to grab hold of Anders but he could not release his legs as they were fastened round a prop. Pickering was overcome with gas, but he rolled clear. Next Foster attempted to rescue Anders. He was overcome by the gas and fell, senseless. Pickering tried again but failed once more. Meanwhile Farrington arrived and went into the gas. He lost consciousness after two attempts, but he was able to grasp Foster by his legs. Pickering grasped Farrington, while he kept hold of Foster, and both were dragged out. Foster was given artificial respiration and recovered. Anders was brought out when the ventilation was restored but he was dead. Davies, Kenneth Leslie, Deputy, Dillwyn No. 1 Mine, Bronze, 29 December, 1958. Five men were taking props from the end of a road, which led to a stopped off face. The front man was overcome by gas and collapsed. The other men withdrew to raise the alarm. Early attempts to reach the fallen man failed due to the gas. Davies arrived and was informed of the situation. He tried to reach the miner, who he knew was still alive, as his breathing could be heard. Davies lost his life in the attempt. He knew the danger he faced and ignored the risk to try to save the miner. Smith, Albert Edward, Deputy, Dinnington Main Colliery, Bronze, 9 September, 1919. Timber was being drawn off when a fall of material struck James Sharpe and pinned him by one foot. Workmen from nearby tried to rescue him, but failed. Timber had been displaced by the first fall and the area was unsafe. Smith arrived and realised Sharpe was in grave danger of being buried. He organised a temporary chock to be built as protection. This was barely finished when there was a second fall, which would have killed Smith if the chock had not been set. After the second fall Sharpe was freed, just before the whole place collapsed. Lodge, John, Collier, Dunkerton Colliery, 2nd Class, 21 November, 1913. Brothers John and Edward Lodge had drilled and charged eight shot holes in a drift. Each charge had a fuse four inches longer than the preceding one so they would explode at different times. The area was cleared of tools etc., and were taken outbye. Edward returned to light the fuses. Seven fuses were lit when one charge exploded prematurely. John rushed inbye to Edward; he was conscious, but his right thigh was broken. He dragged Edward to safety while the other charges were exploding. John received head injuries from flying debris. EKennedy, James, Roadsman, Earnoch Colliery, 2nd Class, 2 June, 1914. Neil McKillop was taking down head coal (band of coal next to the roof) when coal fell pinning his foot. Kennedy immediately rushed to assist McKillop, continuing his efforts when two more falls occurred that completely smothered McKillop. Other men arrived to help, and after three hours released McKillop, but he was dead. Kennedy was unaided at the beginning risked being smothered. Kemp, William, Shift Boss, East Pool Mine, 2nd Class, 26 April, 1911. Opie, Albert, Shift Boss, East Pool Mine, 1st Class, 26 April, 1911. Three men were descending the shaft in a skip when they were dropped into water, which unknown to everyone, had risen from its previous level. Two men jumped off the skip but the other man was drowned. One man grabbed a ladder and climbed to safety. The other man was afraid to jump across an open space to the ladder and held on to an air pipe. Opie descended the shaft to try and rescue the man, but failed to reach him. Opie and Kemp then descended another shaft, to travel via a cross-cut to reach the frightened man. The cross-cut had water in it, which was rising all the time. At one place it was touching the roof. Opie went under the water, reached the other side, then proceeded to the shaft where the man was hanging to the air pipe. He dragged the man through the water in the cross-cut to save him. Kemp waited at other side of the water, in considerable danger, to keep a light for when the man was brought out. Stoker, Ralph, Overman, Eppleton Colliery, Bronze, 29 May, 1936. Three hewers, James Brown, Mark Summers and William Moffatt, were removing loads of coal from a stook when there was a heavy fall of roof. Moffatt's left hand was trapped and pinned to the top of a tub. The roof continued to fall; Brown and Summers tried but were unable to free Moffatt. Two other hewers, Thomas Whitfield and David Wood helped them to erect supports to protect Moffatt from large stones that were slowly lowering toward him. Ralph Stoker and George Storey (Overmen), John Tubby and Albert Simpson (Deputies) arrived shortly after the fall had occured. Falls continued and some supports were crushed immediately they were set. Stoker crawled into a twenty inch opening beside the tub and uncovered Moffatt who was crouched behind the tub. Stoker set extra supports to help to control stones that were lowering in his direction. An act, that in all probability, saved Moffatt from serious injury. Later on Storey took over from Stoker in the small passageway. Stoker and the deputies attempted to reduce the danger around the other side of the tub. The risk of a larger fall was anticipated and the deputies and hewers set supports in the jud to keep open an access to Moffatt. Moffatt was in shock and begged for his fingers to be amputated so he could get out. Stoker and Storey managed to drive a wedge between the top of the tub and the stone pinning Moffatt's fingers and eventually, through persistent efforts, Moffatt was freed and dragged to safety. FBennie, Thomas Dalziel, Miner, Fauldhead Colliery, Bronze, 22 May, 1953. Bennie and another miner were working together when a large stone fell and trapped Bennie's colleague. Roadside debris stopped the stone's full weight from falling on the man and timber supports had been pushed out by the fall. Another fall seemed probable. Bennie was trying to free his colleague but another fall fatally injured Bennie. Collingwood, James, Collier, Frickley Colliery, Bronze, 12 December, 1923. Smith, William, Collier, Frickley Colliery, Bronze, 12 December, 1923. Bacon, with his pony, was moving two empty tubs when one tub came off the rails. The pony bolted and a prop was knocked out, which caused a roof fall. Bacon was buried up to his waist and the pony was killed. Smith and Collingwood were nearby and rushed to help. Bacon was in a seriously dangerous position, especially if another fall occurred. Smith and Collingwood placed some long poles over Bacon to protect him. A second fall occurred later; Smith and Collingwood jumped clear and Bacon was protected by the poles. Later other men and arrived Bacon was released after 3½ hours. GSaunders, Henry, Overman, Graham's Navigation (Merthyr) Colliery, 2nd Class, 30 September, 1912. Griffiths, Alexander, Miner, Graham's Navigation (Merthyr) Colliery, 2nd Class, 30 September, 1912. Thomas Richards and his work mate, Jones, were repairing an air road. They were taking down a low section of roof. Fallen debris had almost blocked the road. Richards made a small hole in the debris, and crawled through it; as he returned, his feet became trapped by a piece of stone that fell. Jones sent for Saunders; Griffiths and others followed on. Griffiths and Saunders attempted to remove the stone that had Richards trapped, however another fall completely buried him; Saunders and Griffiths were lucky to escape the fall. Despite the danger, Saunders and Griffiths worked, one behind the other, to get Richards out. Indications of another fall forced them to retreat before the fall occurred. Everyone then worked through the fall and Richards was liberated, alive. Samuels, John Edwards, Coal Cutting Machinist, Gresford Colliery, Bronze, 22 September, 1934. 266 Killed. An explosion occurred in No. 29's District and there were six survivors including Samuels. The normal means of access was cut off. They decided to try to get out via a return airway, which was rarely used. Travelling for almost half a mile through air so foul that some miners turned back looking for another way out; this caused their deaths. The miners who continued along the return airway also had to negotiate a fault area using a ladder to climb to the upper level. At times some men fell behind and were encouraged to keep going. Samuels took a leading part in this, as well as advising what to do or what to try, giving other help and hanging back to render assistance when delay was fraught with grave danger. Cummings, Peter, Colliery Blacksmith, Giffnock Colliery, Bronze, 10 December, 1917. Morris, John, Collier, Giffnoch Colliery, Bronze, 10 December, 1917. A fireman was overcome by firedamp. Three men tried to rescue him without taking any precautions and they were also overcome. Morris and Cummings crawled to them on hands and knees and rescued three of the unconscious men making three journeys to do so. On the fourth rescue attempt two other men followed them; they reached the body of the fourth man but discovered that the two who had followed them were partly overcome and had to be removed. They tried a fifth time and managed to recover the remaining man, who unfortunately, was dead. Simpson, James, Fireman, Glencraig Colliery, Silver, 21 May, 1918. Three men were working on repairs when a fall of roof killed one man and trapped his two work-mates. Simpson arrived after about half an hour and discovered the trapped men. He believed, if he delayed a rescue to seek help, the men would suffocate. Alone he toiled for three hours, exposed to falling roof, and released one man. Simpson was exhausted and could not free the other man, however he placed timber over the man for protection and went for help. The second man was later freed. Sellars, Charles, Deputy, Grimethorpe Colliery, Bronze, 27 April, 1918. Wiseman, Laurence, Collier, Grimethorpe Colliery, Bronze, 27 April, 1918. A roof fall buried a miner; Sellars quickly arrived but he failed to reach the miner by working under the fall. Sellars and Wiseman worked on the top of the fall and after two and a half hours they rescued the man. Both rescuers risked injury from further falls. HClifford, Walter, Miner, Hamstead Colliery, 1st Class, 4th March 1908 Cranswick, James, Miner, Hamstead Colliery, 1st Class, 4 March, 1908. Hopwood, James, Miner, Hamstead Colliery, 1st Class, 4 March, 1908. Outram. Joseph, Miner, Hamstead Colliery, 2nd Class, 4 March, 1908. Thorne, John Henry, Miner, Hamstead Colliery, 1st Class, 4 March, 1908. Welsby, John, Miner, Hamstead Colliery, 2nd Class, 4 March, 1908. Whittingham, James, Miner , Hamstead Colliery, 1st Class, 4 March, 1908. A fire occurred at approximately 5.00a.m. in the inset near the bottom of the downcast shaft. The source of the ignition was believed to be some candles that were stored in a wooden box. When the fire broke out there were 31 miners in the pit, 6 escaped before poisonous fumes built up in the roadways. Rescue teams from Hamstead, Tankersley and Altofts in Yorkshire, made many attempts to reach the entombed men. John Welsby a member of Altofts rescue team died on the 5th. March while endeavouring to penetrate further into the mine than his strength would allow. The heat of the mine, and the fact that he had recently been in indifferent health, played a part in his death. It took a week after the fire for the mine to clear of the fumes. On the 11th March 14 bodies were recovered, 6 more bodies were recovered the following day. Bennett, Rowland, Manager, Hanley Deep Colliery, Bronze, 17 January, 1935. Maley, Albert, Collier, Hanley Deep Colliery, Bronze, 17 January, 1935. Tom Harrison, a collier, was knocked down by a fall of roof, his legs and feet were trapped. A steel prop and bar were placed over him by a worker and this saved him from fatal injuries when two more falls occurred. To free Harrison someone, thin enough to work in the confined space, had to work their way alongside him, under the fall and remove the debris by hand, passing it out one piece at a time. Bennett and Maley undertook the task and after about 6½ hours Harrison was freed. Towards the end the rescuer laid under the fall with his head next to Harrison's feet. Another fall while in this position would probably have been fatal. Watts, Frederick, Miner, Hanham Colliery, 1st Class, 29 May, 1908. Watts and Isaac Tanner had prepared four blasting charges. Watts went outbye while Tanner set fire to the fuses but before he had time to retire to a safe place one of the shots exploded. A stone fell and broke his arm, he could not move, so he shouted to Watts for help. Watts left his place of safety, returned and dragged Tanner to safety, knowing any of the three charges might explode. Tanner died in April the following year from his injuries. Baker, Paling, Manager, Harriseahead Colliery, Bronze, 10 March, 1924. Wilson, Harry, Miner, Harriseahead Colliery, Bronze, 10 March, 1924. There was an inrush of water and most of the men had left the mine. One man, Booth, was missing. Booth had been working by himself approximately 130 yards from the pit bottom. The pit bottom was three parts full of water and was still rising. Baker, asked for volunteers; five men including Wilson, responded, and accessed the mine by using a foot-rail. They reached a ventilation door, but they were frightened to open it because of water pressure on the door. They were about to leave when Baker arrived; he was adamant that Booth should be rescued. Wilson was the only man willing to continue the rescue. Baker and Wilson eased the ventilation door open enough to let the water to escape gradually. Wading through the water they reached Booth, then made their way to the surface. Baker and Wilson risked their lives to rescue Booth. Fish, William, Chargeman, Hartford Mine, 2nd Class, 19 January, 1917. A fall of roof killed one man and injured and trapped another man. Fish immediately began the task of freeing the injured man. Throughout there was danger of further falls. After over half an hour he succeeded in freeing the man, who would probably have died, without Fish's quick rescue. Devenport, Christopher, undermanager, Harton Colliery, 2nd Class, 27 April, 1916. Walker, William, deputy overman, Harton Colliery, 2nd Class, 27 April, 1916. Walker was supervising eight men who were cleaning up after a big roof fall. Another fall occurred and trapped a seventeen stone miner named Hall. Devenport was sent for and he crawled through a small opening to reach Hall, who he discovered was trapped by his legs. Devenport set two props to help stabilise the roof and protect Hall, then returned for help. Next Walker and Devenport crawled up to Hall; Devenport lifted stones from Hall's legs, while Walker dragged him out. The rescue lasted an hour and five minutes and all the time the roof was threatening to fall in. Half an hour later it came crashing down. Akers, John Thomas, Deputy, Hedley Pit, Bronze, 29 September, 1930. Buckley, Thomas, Deputy, Hedley Pit. Co. Durham, Bronze, 29 September, 1930. Cox, Philip, Deputy, Hedley Pit, Bronze, 29 September, 1930. Dart, John, Deputy, Hedley Pit, Bronze, 29 September, 1930. Dixon, Thomas, Overman, Hedley Pit, Bronze, 29 September, 1930. Fox, Charles James Brookfield, Doctor, Hedley Pit, 2nd Class, 29 September, 1930. Johnston, Robert, Collier, Hedley Pit, Bronze, 29 September, 1930. Kent, James, Deputy, Hedley Pit, Bronze, 29 September, 1930. King, Richard Henry, Hewer, Hedley Pit, Bronze, 29 September, 1930. King, Victor, Deputy, Hedley Pit, Bronze, 29 September, 1930. Lens, Joseph, Deputy, Hedley Pit, 2nd Class, 29 September, 1930. Mason, George Foster, Hewer, Hedley Pit, Bronze, 29 September, 1930. Nancollas, George, Deputy, Hedley Pit, Bronze, 29 September, 1930. Reed, Robert, Under-Manager, Hedley Pit, Bronze, 29 September, 1930. Scott, Walter Robert, Manager, Hedley Pit, Bronze, 29 September, 1930. Sheldrake, Walter Henry, Deputy, Hedley Pit, Bronze, 29 September, 1930. Tarn, John George, Hewer, Hedley Pit, Bronze, 29 September, 1930. Uren, Thomas Henry, Deputy, Hedley Pit, Bronze, 29th September 1930 Waugh, William, Deputy, Hedley Pit, Bronze, 29 September, 1930. A fall of roof partially buried Frederick Beaumont. Victor King arrived first to attempt a rescue. He found a small passage was open which might be used to reach Beaumont. His son Richard and Tarn, helped set two timber chocks to keep the passage open. Three men worked in relays for nine hours until Beaumont was freed. Two men worked in the passage and one worked over Beaumont passing stones back that had him trapped. Four times Beaumont was almost freed when more falls buried him again. The danger of another fall prompted the manager to telephoned for a doctor (Dr. Fox) to come to amputate Beaumont's leg to secure his release. The doctor decided it was not possible to amputate in the small area where Beaumont lay. However, he remained until Beaumont was rescued. He examined and treated him before sending him to out of the pit. Shortly after Beaumont was rescued the tunnel collapsed. Aspinall, Harry, Deputy, Hickleton Main Colliery, Bronze, 25 October, 1922. Dawson, Albert Henry Fowler, Miner, Hickleton Main Colliery, Bronze, 25 October, 1922. Mason, Joseph, Miner, Hickleton Main Colliery, Bronze, 25 October, 1922. Parkin, James, Miner, Hickleton Main Colliery, Bronze, 25 October, 1922. A miner, Bridges, was removing timber when a roof fall entirely buried him. Dawson and Mason, went to assist him, and sent for Aspinall and for Parkin. They managed to clear the debris from Bridge's head. However, more falls hindered the rescuers and they risked being buried. Rescuers worked through the night and at times they used their bodies to shield Bridges from the stones, which were falling. After over sixteen hours Bridges was liberated. Sadly he later died from shock. Clarke, Azariah (Ezra), Overman and Captain of the Rescue Brigade at Holditch Colliery, Bronze, 2 July, 1937. A fire started in the holing of the Four Feet Seam at about 5.45 a.m. 55 men escaped but two men were missing. A search for them was unsuccessful. At 6.50 a.m. there was an explosion and afterwards one member of the search party was missing. Clarke led the Colliery Rescue Brigade and they were instructed to search for the man who was missing after the explosion. Wearing breathing apparatus they began their search. It was hot, dusty, smokey and the air was foul. They reached a fall that blocked their way. They retreated and continued their search for the missing man without success, so they searched for the two men who had been lost during the original fire. They travelled in difficult conditions up a steep road, parts of which were 1 in 2½ to 1 in 3 gradient. Shortly after 10 a.m. a severe explosion occurred, which killed 27 people, most of them had been deployed to build stoppings to seal off the fire. The Rescue Brigades oxygen supplies were running low so they came out of the mine for new breathing apparatus. They were not too much affected by the explosion. Once more Clarke led the Brigade inbye, they travelled over falls and derailed tubs, extinguishing a fire on their journey. They found some badly injured men who they administered first aid to, and some dead bodies. They arranged for stretchers to be brought in to the mine. Assistance arrived and some men from the Brigade helped to remove the injured and the dead. Clarke and the others continued searching to ensure that no men who were alive were left behind. By 3.35 p.m. the men were withdrawn from the mine owing to the risk of further explosions. All the men, known to be alive, had been recovered. When doubt arose as to whether injured men may be alive in the pit, Clarke led his Brigade back down the mine at about 6 p.m. However, no living men were found, and returned to the surface at 8.30 p.m. Calladine, Thomas, Deputy, Holmewood Colliery, Bronze, 22 September, 1920. Harrison, Joseph, Deputy, Holmewood Colliery, Bronze, 22 September, 1920. Peters, Samuel, under-manager, Holmewood Colliery, Bronze, 22 September, 1920. West, Harold, Miner, Holmewood Colliery, Bronze, 22 September, 1920. A heavy fall imprisoned two men. It was known the men were not injured, but, it would take days to reach them. The first task was to supply them with food. Peters passed food to them using a cycle tyre enclosed in iron piping. More falls took place over the next forty-eight hours. A small hole was eventually made through to the imprisoned men, and they were freed after four days. During the rescue work, Peters, West, Harrison, and Calladine all distinguished themselves. Chandler, Francis, Deputy, Hoyland Silkstone Colliery, 1st Class, 23 November, 1907. Chandler was engaged with five others repairing an underground boiler house when a fall of roof occurred. A broken girder damaged the boiler and steam issued from it, scalding all the men; one man died in the boiler house and three died later. Chandler was badly burnt, in pain, and in the dark, because lamps had been extinguished. He crept through the steam three times to the boiler top, to rescue men, putting his life at risk. He was unable to do more on his own so he signalled the surface to be drawn up. He was exhausted but he insisted on descending the mine to help in rescue work. His son was one of those killed. Elliott, Thomas William, Manager, Hucknall Colliery, Bronze, 11 August, 1919. A miner, Onley, was entombed between the face and a large roof fall. Several men worked to clear away part of the fall to make a small gap. They were exhausted when Elliott arrived and, without worrying about the danger, squeezed through the gap, got hold of Onley's wrists, and pulled him out. The roof gave way immediately after the rescue. Hardman, John, Miner, Hulton Colliery, 2nd Class, 21 December, 1910. Hartley, James, Miner, Hulton Colliery, 2nd Class, 21 December, 1910. Herring, John, Miner, Hulton Colliery, 2nd Class, 21 December, 1910. Hilton, John, Miner, Hulton Colliery, 2nd Class, 21 December, 1910. Markland, William, Miner, Hulton Colliery, 2nd Class, 21 December, 1910. Moss, James, Miner, Hulton Colliery, 2nd Class, 21 December, 1910. Polley, James Henry, Miner, Hulton Colliery, 2nd Class , 21 December, 1910. Roberts, Robert, Miner, Hulton Colliery, 2nd Class, 21 December, 1910. Tonge, Alfred Joseph, General Manager, Hulton Colliery, 2nd Class, 21 December, 1910. Williams, Llewellyn, undermanager, Hulton Colliery, 2nd Class, 21 December, 1910. 344 Killed. An explosion occurred at No. 3 Bank Pit. Smoke was coming from the upcast shaft and part of the upcast shaft casing was wrecked. Roof falls and poisonous fumes prevented some miners from escaping. At 9.00 am Tonge led the first rescue party via No 4 shaft, they were met at the Trencherbone inset by Williams, who was suffering from shock after the explosion, however he accompanied them and took an active part in the rescue operations. They faced unknown danger, and there was always the risk of further explosions. They had no breathing apparatus, but had safety lamps, canaries and mice to alert them to the presence of after-damp. They entered the Yard mouthing and noticed the underground fan blown in towards the downcast pit. They went through a haulage house, the main route to the upcast shaft, on the way passing severe wreckage, to No.3 pit bottom shunts, where a boy (Simeon Gibson), was found and sent out of the pit. (He died later). Fountain Byers was found and sent out of the pit (he died the following day). Dead bodies lay around. Having taken Injured men to the surface the rescuers directed their attention to the Arley mine. They passed the Yard mine and heard someone shout for the cage to be sent to the Yard mouthing. It was a young lad, Joseph Staveley. He was taken to the surface. Then the rescuers went down into the Arley mine again, they asked if the miners there were all right. They said they were, so the rescuers moved on to more urgent areas. Numerous miners attempted to rescue their workmates in the dangerous environment and their efforts were extremely courageous. John Sharples died a week after the explosion. Austin, John William, Timberman, Hylton Colliery, Bronze, 30 March, 1947. Charlton, John Daniel, Deputy, Hylton Colliery, Bronze, 30 March, 1947. A repairer was overcome by gas in an old road. When Charlton was told he was missing he searched for him, examining for gas with his flame safety lamp as he went. He hadn't travelled far, a few yards, when he detected gas. He also saw a light about 30 yards away. He and another man made their way towards the light, however the gas forced them to return. Charlton, Austin and some men tried to dissipate the gas by erecting brattice cloth down the middle of the roadway. Compressed air was also tried to help clear away the gas, but with little success. The rescuers were still 12 yards from the man. Charlton and Austin crawled, sometimes on their stomachs, and managed to reach the unconscious repairer. Charlton was slightly overcome while dragging him out and had to have a short rest, but soon returned to help Austin who in turn collapsed for a time, and was dragged clear. Others finally assisted Charlton to carry the man to fresh air. Sadly the repairer died. IFranklin, Charles Benjamin, Deputy, Ireland Colliery Derbyshire, 2nd Class, 28 February, 1916. Gregory, Harold, Under-Manager, Ireland Colliery Derbyshire, 2nd Class, 28 February, 1916. Hudson, Charles William, Contractor, Ireland Colliery, 2nd Class, 28 February, 1916. Nurse, Edward, Stallman, Ireland Colliery, 2nd Class, 28 February, 1916. Smith, Thomas, Stallman, Ireland Colliery, 2nd Class, 28 February, 1916. A fall of roof trapped John William Fieldsend. The five men named above, immediately began opening a passage through the fall to reach Fieldsend. The roof they worked under was unstable and the danger of another fall was feared. There was only room for one man to work at the front of the passage, and the men took it in turns to perform this task. The four men behind the the front man, lined up one behind the other, passing material out of the passage. Temporary supports were set as they advanced. After approximately three hours another fall closed the three yard passage. The rescuers escaped without injury. The five men renewed their task and managed to reach Fieldsend. Whilst trying to free him from under some timber a third fall blocked about four yards of the passage and displaced some of the timber they had set. Eventually, after ten hours Fieldsend was liberated. LBishop, Douglas H Osmond, Manager, Langwith Colliery, Bronze, 5 February, 1934. Joseph Stevenson was buried when a heavy roof fall occurred. He was under a girder and this saved his life. One end of the girder was held up by debris from the fall; the other end was still in position. Bishop organized the rescue, he lifted one end of the girder with a jack, then he scraped away the debris from Stevenson's feet and hip, mostly using his hands. Stevenson 's leg was fractured, and after about four hours' Stevenson was liberated. Bishop's life was at risk from another fall, which could have occurred during the rescue. Two other men, Tim Fretwell, an overman, and William Kinsey, a ripper, played important roles in rescuing Stevenson. They were first on the scene and Fretwell attempted to make the area safe, while Kinsey worked his way under the fall. He reached Stevenson and gave him a drink. He also built a chock under the girder to protect Stevenson, as well as assisting Bishop (who arrived later), to jack up the girder. It's difficult to understand why these men were not awarded the Edward Medal as well. Chatterton, Thomas, Collier, Lodge Mill Colliery, 2nd Class, 28 January, 1913. Schofield, Albert, Loader, Lodge Mill Colliery, 2nd Class, 28 January, 1913. Two men, James English and Alfred Sykes, went into old workings to salvage rails and were killed by noxious gases in old workings. Chatterton and Schofield were concerned about them and went to find them. They crawled on their hands and knees in a dark three foot high road, where the atmosphere was foul. Chatterton and Schofield lost consciousness during their rescue attempt. Chatterton eventually managed to make his way back to a telephone to summon help. Schofield remained unconscious until he was rescued. Both men risked to their lives attempting to rescue English and Sykes. Booker, David Noel, Ripper, Littleton Colliery, Bronze, 14 May, 1937. Booker, Samuel, Ripper, Littleton Colliery, Bronze, 14th May 1937. 4 Killed. Three men were dismantling plant 70 to 80 yards from the main level. A fireman went to see the men; he had only travelled up the gate about twenty yards when firedamp extinguished his lamp. Rescue attempts were made by numerous men, including Mr. Walmsley, the under manager. Some collapsed and so increased the task of other rescuers. Mr. Walmsley lost his life. David and Samuel Booker, (brothers), were outstanding and displayed great courage during these operations. They forced their way up the gate on four or five occasions and were instrumental in rescuing four other rescuers who were overcome by gas. These men, except Mr. Walmsley, survived. Handford, Robert, fireman, Llanbradach Colliery, Bronze, 25 October, 1921. A fall of roof partially buried a man named Carter. Some men came and began clearing away the debris. Handford arrived and immediately started erecting wooden sleepers to protect Carter. A second fall occurred but the sleepers saved Carter from being crushed. Next Handford cleared debris from Carter's head and erected more supports. A third fall occurred and rescuers were forced to jump clear. Handford made his way over Carter's body and completely protected it with timber. He liberated Carter except for his left leg, which was trapped under the debris. All attempts to pull Carter clear failed and it was decided to amputate his leg. However, Handford made further attempts, risking being buried himself, and eventually after four hours, Handford liberated Carter. Morris, Arthur, Assistant Timberman, Llanhilleth Mine, Bronze, 30 March, 1917. A timberman, William Henry Dixon, was in a part of the mine that was to be abandoned. He was withdrawing timber, assisted by Morris. Some timber collapsed causing a fall of roof and sides. Dixon was buried in a sitting position up to his neck. Morris, who was eight yards away at the time, rushed to help Dixon. As more debris fell, Dixon told Morris to leave, but he ignored the suggestion and continued working to free Dixon. Danger of a large stone falling upon them encouraged Morris to run 20 yards for timber, which he positioned over Dixon for protection. He then continued removing the debris and managed to free Dixon. Morris, who himself had cuts and bruises, was attending to Dixon's injuries when the large stone fell. It would have killed them both if they had not moved away from the fall area. If Morris had left Dixon and ran for help Dixon would have been killed by the fall. The nearest workman was 600 yards away. Thomas, Thomas, Mechanic, Llewellyn Sinking Pit, 2nd Class, 27 April, 1913. Seven men were working in a shaft that was over 500 yards deep by 20 feet wide. They were on scaffold, suspended on ropes, about 10 yards from the shaft bottom. A large fall took place, which smashed into the scaffold causing all the men to fall to the bottom of the shaft. Rescue via the shaft was not possible because the winding rope was entangled in the debris. There was another shaft, which had a seam with an inset from the Llewelyn shaft. Thomas and other men used this inset to attempt a rescue, however, it was some 70 yards above the shaft bottom. Thomas volunteered to be lowered down by a rope with a loop at the end. Small falls occurred at times and a bigger fall could have occurred at any time. When Thomas reached the bottom three men were alive; he tied the rope to them and they were pulled up one by one. Thomas was then pulled up. He risked his life to rescue the men. Bowen, John Thomas, Under-Manager, Llwynypia Colliery, Bronze, 25 January, 1932. Cordey, Frederick Raymond, Collier, Llwynypia Colliery, Bronze, 25 January, 1932. Hughes, Arianfryn, Collier, Llwynypia Colliery, Bronze, 25 January, 1932. The ventilation system circulated poisonous gas around the mine after an explosion of firedamp. Cordey and a man named West were working together, well away from the origin of the explosion, however, they were affected by gas. West collapsed, and Cordey carried him for thirty yards. Cordey was near to collapse, so he left West and headed for the Main Heading where he found Bowen and Hughes were attending to injured men; he managed to tell them about West's condition. Bowen and Hughes set off to rescue West. Gas extinguished Bowen's lamp but they carried on and rescued West. When Cordey had recovered he joined Bowen and Hughes, just after they had commenced their return journey. They risked their lives rescuing West. Two other rescuers in another section of the mine lost their lives. Cullen, Walter, Miner, Loanhead Colliery, 2nd Class, 21 April, 1911. Macfarlane, Thomas, Miner, Loanend Colliery, 2nd Class, 21 April, 1911. Robert Edgar, (undermanager), intended to disperse firedamp, that had accumulated, by removing a screen. He travelled up an inclined road to do this and was overcome by gas. Macfarlane went to help him, however he was also overcome and he rolled back down the road. 60 years old Cullen made two attempts to rescue Edgar, but Macfarlane, who had partially recovered, had to help him back. Edgar's body was later recovered after three and a half hours. Dryburgh, George, Miner, Lochhead Colliery, 1st Class, 29 December, 1907. Dryburgh, James, Miner, Lochhead Colliery, 1st Class, 29 December, 1907. A fire broke out and it was feared a fireman was in danger. Two men tried to rescue him, but were overcome gas. James and George Dryburgh rescued the two men, ignoring the risks. Hutchinson, John, Overman, Louisa Colliery, Silver, 22 August, 1947. Robinson, Harry, Deputy, Louisa Colliery, Silver, 22 August, 1947. Shanley, Joseph, Deputy, Louisa Colliery, Silver, 22 August, 1947. Younger, William, Deputy, Louisa Colliery, Silver, 22 August, 1947. An explosion occurred and Younger, Shanley and Robinson, trained rescue men, were the first to raise the alarm and reach the scene of the explosion. The 4th North District comprised of a small area of the seam sterilised by a fire in 1929 in the Low Main Seam 30 ft. above. This had caused an area of approximately 100 acres to be sealed off. In 1944 the fire area was entered and new seals erected nearer to the locus of the old fire. This allowed more coal reserves to be worked. The party of Younger, Shanley and Robinson had a canary and flame lamp detectors, and had with them reviving apparatus for use in case of emergency. They had examined the fire stoppings alongside the 4th North Low Main Road on their way inbye from Morrison North shaft and had just reached their station in the fire area about 250 yards to the south of and beyond the off takes for the 4th North District, when they felt a momentary cessation of the intake air, followed by a rush of dust laden air coming from Morrison North shaft. Realising what this meant they ran towards the Morrison North shaft with the canary and their flame lamps towards the seat of the trouble in the 4th North District. Shanley went to the 4th Bankhead and telephoned to the surface, while Younger and Robinson, with the canary, entered the 4th North District. They went into the Straight East gate through the heavy canvas cloth and saw a light and heard moaning, about thirty yards inbye they found a man named Minto alive but unconscious. Two men, Bailey and Talbot, were apparently dead. Robinson went to phone for help and get a stretcher for Minto. Younger stopped with Minto and realised Bailey was still alive. He went to meet Robinson who was returning with a stretcher, he sent him to bring reviving apparatus from the fire area. Robinson quickly returned with Shanley and Hutchinson, the overman. Younger and Shanley rescued three men in the Straight East gate. Hutchinson and Robinson tried to explore the South Heading, however, the air was too hot and thick with fumes. Later on, Hutchinson, Robinson, Younger and Shanley, got along this Heading as far as the 2nd East loading point, up the 2nd East loading gate, to the face line. They came across two drillers, Johnson and Kilgallon, at the deputies' kist, alive but unconscious, and took them to fresh air. By the time the first rescue team arrived they had also recovered Estell, a deputy, alive at the kist and had brought out five dead bodies from the South Heading, and they had located four bodies in the 2nd East loading gate. Lawson, George Henry, Under-Manager, Lyons Colliery, Hetton-le-Hole, 2nd Class, 24 March, 1911. A fall of stone knocked Lawson over and buried a miner named Shears. Displaced timber and other material were partially held up by debris, however Shears foot was also trapped under a prop. With help the head of Shears was cleared of debris, however, it was feared another larger fall would occur so supports were placed around Shears to protect him from further injury, but they restricted the rescuers ability to work. Three times further falls forced the rescuers to retreat, and the danger the rescuers, and Shears, increased. Eventually, Lawson was able to crawl through to Shears and he chopped enough stone away to free him. Shears rescue had taken nine hours. MJones, George, Fireman, Main Coal Colliery (Wales), 2nd Class, 5 August, 1910. Roberts, Hugh, Timberman, Main Coal Colliery (Wales), 2nd Class, 5 August, 1910. A firedamp explosion, killed two miners. Jones was severely injured. A fire was known to be burning, however on two occasions he returned to the workings looking for a man he believed was missing. Roberts accompanied him on the second occasion and Roberts also returned later to extinguish the fire. Rylance, Richard, Under-Manager, Maypole Colliery, Bronze, 21 February, 1941. An extensive roof fall trapped William Pennington. Rylance started to make a narrow tunnel through the debris. He lay, working with his arms above his head for four hours, only taking three ten minutes breaks; often using only a pick blade to dig with in the small area being excavated. A twelve yard tunnel was dug out to reach Pennington. Rylance crawled in and helped Pennington out. Throughout the rescue there was always the risk of further falls. Cooper, Albert Henry, Under-Manager, Markham No. 2 Colliery, 2nd Class, 8 January, 1913. Hewitt, Arthur Bernard, Manager, Markham No. 2 Colliery, 2nd Class, 8 January, 1913. Thompson, George, Workman, Markham No. 2 Colliery, 2nd Class, 8 January, 1913. A steel girder fell from a roof causing a fall of the roof. Cooper immediately arrived and organised cleaning up and repair work. Another fall occurred and buried three workmen. While bits of the roof were still falling, Cooper climbed over the debris and, with Hewitt, who came later, managed to rescue two men. The third man was buried completely. Thompson arrived to help, and the three toiled for approximately fifty minutes trying to free the third man, when another heavy fall came down and killed the third man. There was a risk of more falls, but work continued for four hours, until rescuers reached the dead man. Leach, James Joseph, Collier, Markham Colliery, 2nd Class, 18 May. 1912. Howells, Llewllyn, Miner, Markham Colliery, 2nd Class, 18th May 1912 Winborn, Arthur Thomas, Collier, Markham Colliery, 2nd Class, 18 May, 1912. Wooley, William Downing, Collier, Markham Colliery, 2nd Class, 19 May, 1912. Shaft sinking operations were taking place when an explosion of firedamp occurred killing five men. After the explosion the shaft was full of afterdamp and two men were down the shaft. Leach, Howells, Winborn and Wooley descended the shaft; after an hour they reached the pump lodge 350 yards from the surface. Snashall was there and he was badly burned. They got him into the bucket and he was brought to the surface. The rescuers had breathing apparatus, however, it was the first time Wooley had worn it. Hamblin, Henry Charles, Collier, Mells Colliery, Bronze, 10 November, 1928. Henry Charles Hamblin and his brother Arthur Albert Hamblin were working underground when timber supports gave way. A roof fall occurred and Arthur's right foot was trapped by falling debris. Another fall occurred while he was trying to get free and it buried him up to his waist. Henry immediately ran to help his brother but failed to free him. A third fall occurred and buried Arthur up to his shoulders. Henry's shouts for help went unheard and he was forced to leave Arthur to seek help. When he returned Arthur was almost buried by the constant roof falls. Henry crouched over Arthur's head to protect him. He remained there, protecting Arthur, for about twenty minutes until help arrived and timber was set over Arthur's head. Henry Charles Hamblin knew the danger he faced; he suffered severe bruising from falling stones while shielding Arthur and probably saved Arthur's life. Taylor, Andrew, Deputy, Michael Colliery, Bronze, 9 September, 1967. A fire broke out near the shaft bottom. It spread quickly issuing vast quantities of thick black smoke that spread to all sections of the mine. Messages were sent by telephone to all areas of the pit to withdraw the men. Taylor travelled the return airway; after a while he decided to wait for some men he believed were not far behind. When they failed to come he told two men, McArthur and McEneamy, that he was going back for them. McArthur and McEneamy tried to warn him of the danger, and that he would lose his life. However, Taylor said he couldn't leave the pit while his men were missing. He went into the return, which was thick with smoke and fumes and was never seen again. Elwick, Vincent, Deputy, Murton Colliery, Silver, 26 October, 1924. Wilson, George, Deputy, Murton Colliery, Silver, 26 October, 1924. Two men, McNally and Place, were filling debris into tubs when they were buried by a sudden fall of sandstone and shale. Roof supports, iron bars and girders, were broken or bent, and some of them were resting the tubs, which were taking the weight of the fall, thereby saving the lives of McNally and Place. Elwick and Wilson were close by and heard the fall. They learned that McNally and Place had been buried so they took some bandages and went to the fall area. Stones were still falling when they began tunnelling towards the buried men. They made a tunnel 12 feet long. Elwick passed stones back to Wilson as they advanced. They reached the men and with a struggle liberated Place, who was hysterical. They went back for McNally but three of his fingers were trapped between a bar and the top of a tub. They packed stones up, to hold some of the bars, to help prevent them lowering; they then tried to remove the top of the tub with a hammer and chisel. However, in the small space they were in, they failed. In order to free McNally his fingers would have to be cut off; McNally agreed after further efforts to free him failed. Tourniquets were applied to his arm, not only to stem the flow of blood but to reduce the pain as well. With the only tools they had, knife, axe and hammer, they tried to amputate McNally's fingers. The operation seemed impossible, until a man arrived with a sharp chisel. The three fingers were chopped off and McNally was liberated. The rescuers knew the risks to themselves as further falls of roof continued, and the working area became smaller during the two hours it took to complete the rescue. Shortly after the men were rescued the tunnel collapsed. Wilson, Joseph, Master Shifter, Murton Colliery, Bronze, 19 April, 1929. A fall occurred which completely buried Ralph Chisholm, and partially buried David Stevenson. Wilson rushed to protect Stevenson from falling debris. He stood over him and used his body as a shield, while others tried to free Chisholm. Throughout the rescue falls occurred and Wilson was buried above the knees. He saved Stevenson's life and endangered his own by using his body as a shield. It took 35 minutes to liberate Stevenson. Sadly, when Chisholm was found he had died from suffocation. NJohnson, John, Deputy, Newdigate Colliery, Bronze, 29 July, 1915. A heavy roof fall buried a man named Pacey. Johnson rushed to the fall where he found men were already working on it. The roof was unsafe so he ordered props to be set. He travelled to the other side of the fall; the roof there was also unsafe, but he thought that it would be easier to reach Pacey from there. He started to set props but almost immediately another heavy fall took place. It buried and severely injured him. The roof conditions improved and Johnson and Pacey were rescued alive. Sadly Pacey died later in hospital. Over the next two years Johnson was frequently in hospital and had many operations on his injuries. Jenkins, William, Under-Manager, Newlands Colliery, Silver, 21st September 1944 Craig, Bert, Miner, Nixon's Navigation Colliery, Silver, 14 November, 1922. A workman named Jones was completely buried by a heavy fall. Four men could hear Jones moans but were unable to see him. They attempted to get Jones out but continuous falls caused them to retreat. Craig arrived and was told what had occurred. He ran to the fall and started to move the debris. He asked the others to help but they waited until the falls had stopped before coming. Jones was then liberated. Two minutes after Jones was freed a large a fall took place that would have killed him, as well as his rescuer Craig, if they had not moved away. Craig's courageous action was even more remarkable because he suffered from a severe bullet wound to his head, and a blow to his head may have killed him. Hawthorn, Archbold, Fore-Overman, North Biddick Colliery, Bronze, 12 May, 1930. A roof large fall entombed Lawrence Taylor, a hewer, and Stewart Collins, a putter. Several men including a deputy rushed to the fall area. The Deputy began removing loose timber and stones to try to access the area the men were entombed in. He jumped back to avoid a large stone that was falling and he fell, striking his head on a rail, rendering him semi-conscious. Hawthorn arrived and satisfied himself that the entombed men were not injured. He succeeded in making a hole through the fall about 18 inches square and about 4 yards long by scraping away the debris at the top of the fall. He crawled halfway through the tunnel and pulled Collins, then Taylor out. Just after Taylor was pulled free a large fall closed the tunnel. Hawthorn incurred great personal risk; he worked in a cavity when stones were falling and the danger of another large fall was always present. Coleman, George, Ambulance Man, North Celynen Colliery, Silver, 8 March, 1926. Cordey, John George, Miner, North Celynen Colliery, Bronze, 8 March, 1926. Graham, Samuel, Miner, North Celynen Colliery, Bronze, 8 March, 1926. A fall of roof of approximately twenty tons almost completely buried two men. Timber supports were carefully being set above the buried men to prevent more falls. However, a second fall occurred while Coleman was setting timber. Realising that these supports were needed to protect the buried men he continued his task. Unfortunately he was trapped by the fall. Rescuers took ten minutes to free him. Another ten-ton fall took place. Coleman, Graham, and Cordey and three other men carried on the rescue work but Coleman was pinned down again by heaps of earth. He was badly bruised and unable to continue the rescue work. The buried men were alive when they were liberated, sadly one man later died. The rescuers lives were constantly in danger from continuous falls. Booth, Wilby, Signalman, North Gawber Colliery, Bronze, 2 June, 1917. Jeffells, William, Collier, North Gawber Colliery, 2nd Class, 2 June, 1917. A set of empty tubs were being transported inbye at about six miles an hour, as another set of 36 tubs, with over 100 men inside, were travelling outbye (away from the face) at the same speed. The empty tubs were derailed, shortly before the two sets met, and they dislodged some roof supports. This caused a heavy roof fall, which dropped on to the tubs, and they piled up. Both sets of tub track were blocked, and the signalling system was damaged, and the set travelling outbye could not be stopped. Booth and Jeffells quickly decided a cause of action and Jeffells jumped onto the hauling rope. It travelled about 25 yards before he managed to remove a bolt that secured the pin fastening the rope to the set of tubs. Booth had mounted the first tub, as soon as Jeffells withdrew the bolt, he attempted to draw out the pin. The rope travelled another 70 yards before he succeeded; the set stopped 30 yards from the fall. By their actions both men had put their own lives at risk. OBooth, James Frederick, Surveyor, Old Ford Pit Co. Durham, 2nd Class, 31 October, 1911. Merritt, Henry, Collier, Old Hednesford Pit Cannock Chase, 1st Class, 14 December, 1911. Stokes, Thomas, Miner, Old Hednesford Pit, Silver, 14 December, 1911. A fire broke out in the intake airway and workmen were withdrawn from the mine. All but five men, including Merritt and Stokes, made their way to the shaft. Merritt and Stokes went to rescue them. Smoke was rapidly increasing, but they found the men after travelling the return airway for 800 yards. Merritt helped one man out. The other four men, and Stokes suffocated. Merritt thought the others had followed him, and when he realised they had not, he attempted on two occasions to reach them. The smoke drove him back and he was exhausted when he reached the surface. PFinch, Richard Edward, Manager, Park Lane Colliery, Bronze, 29 January, 1919. Two men Shaw and Rimmer were buried by a roof fall. Finch arrived 30 minutes after they were buried and called out to the two men Shaw replied but his voice was weak. Finch crawled to him and removed dirt from his mouth so he could breath. He shouted for helpers to dig the men out and three men responded. Debris from the roof continued to fall and Finch ordered the men to leave several times; although he remained there. An hour after they had been buried Shaw was liberated. Rimmer was found an hour later unfortunately he was dead. Hulme, Thomas, Manager, Parsonage Colliery, Silver, 23 January, 1941. A roof fall above the coalface occurred and two hewers were trapped. One was swiftly freed, however, Thomas Wignall was not so lucky. Hulme crawled six to eight feet along a conveyor belt, which was the only route available, to reach Wignall. The roof had lowered to two feet and could have collapsed at any time. Noises, from the roof, could be heard, it was still moving, and bits of debris kept falling. Hulme lay in a prone position for about an hour and a half building three wood chocks to protect Wignall. Then both men removed enough debris to allow Wignall to roll out onto the conveyor belt and crawl out to safety. Hulme risked his life rescuing Wignall. Everson, Henry, Chief Mechanic, Penalta Colliery, 1st Class, 12 September, 1907. An accident occurred while sinking the shaft. A barrel was being used to remove water from a depth of 345 feet. A scaffold, which was being used whilst walling the side of the shaft, was suspended in the shaft by chains. The barrel struck the scaffold, the chains broke and two men fell thirty feet into the water below. Everson was at the top of the shaft and heard a man shouting for help. He climbed down the shaft by using a four-inch pipe a distance for 270 feet. He found the barrel, pulled towards him, and climbed into it. He was then lowered the rest of the way in the barrel. He found one man up to his neck in water and almost exhausted, clinging to a thin wire. Everson jumped into the water, he held the barrel with one hand, and pulled the man by the collar into the barrel. Then they were raised to the surface. Unfortunately the second man was drowned. York, David, Master Shifter, Pelton Colliery, Bronze, 28 June, 1932. Four men were descending a shaft. Just after the cage left a seam inset seventy-six yards from the pit bottom, part of the cage caught a platform support girder and the cage was suspended about 7½ feet beneath the inset. York knew that if the cage moved it could fall down the shaft. He climbed out of the cage into the shaft, and using a two-inch pipe to hold on to, he managed to squeeze between the cage and the girder and reached the platform. He telephoned for help then returned to the shaft. He tried to secure the cage by attaching a cable to the cage chains. He was trying to anchor it when the cage fell crashing to the bottom of the shaft. The three men in the cage were killed. Nix, Frank Emery, Deputy, Pilsley No. 3 Pit, Bronze, 18 April, 1944. A coalface was being cut by two men when a 'bump' resulted in flamper (a clay ironstone) breaking over the roof support bars for about 35 yards; the roof lowered about 8 inches trapping the head of a man between a bar and the edge of the conveyor pans. The man shouted and knocked on the conveyor pans; the cutting machine was stopped by his workmate, who could not get past the machine to help him, but he shouted to Nix. Nix had three men with him behind the machine. Two men managed to slide down the pans and set a prop to reduce the weight on the trapped man. Nix, helped by the other man, got within three yards of the trapped man by resetting broken props as he advanced. By then the trapped man was hidden by debris. The roof continued lowering and there was only approximately 15 inches of height to work in. Two men cleared the debris away, but in order to liberate the trapped man weight had to be taken off the bar. Nix, using a hammer, broke the flamper, and then when enough flamper had been removed he sawed through the bar and liberated the man who was found to be suffering bruises and shock. The rescue took over two hours. Halfpenny, Frank, Miner, Podmore Hall Colliery, Silver, 12 January, 1918. A gas and coal-dust explosion took place. Halfpenny was about 500 yards from the pit bottom. He lay on the floor; when he tried to telephone no one answered. Enveloped in smoke went to the top of a dip approximately 800 yards away where he managed to telephone the surface and relay information about the situation underground. On his travels he found two lads lying in a gutter; he removed them from the gutter and placed them in the side. One lad later recovered. He could have headed for the shaft and safety but he went to try to aid others, ignoring the risks. Butterfield, Henry, Fireman, Ponthenry Colliery, Bronze, 10 July, 1928. Butterfield heard an outburst of firedamp and coal; men were running away. He calmed them and then to improve the ventilation he started a pump. When he was told that men were unconscious in the main slant he went to their aid; a few men went with him. Foul air extinguished his safety lamp but he also had an electric lamp. He found six men, four were unconscious and one was semi-conscious. The men were helped to the surface. Butterfield carried on along the main slant; in a side road he found two conscious men and short distances away were three unconscious men. He called for help and the men were taken to the surface. Butterfield was severely affected by the gas and two helpers were overcome also. Butterfield knew the dangers he faced as previous outbursts had resulted in fatalities. Sadly two rescued men died later. Clayton, Joseph Samuel, Ripper, Pooley Hall Colliery, Silver, 12 July, 1945. Jackson, Tom, Deputy, Pooley Hall Colliery, Silver, 12 July, 1945. Foulds, Daniel, Contractor Stallman, Pye Hill Colliery, 2nd Class, 28 November, 1916. Haddon, James, Miner, Pye Hill Colliery, 2nd Class, 28 November, 1916. Heathcote, William, Miner, Pye Hill Colliery, 2nd Class, 28 November, 1916. Short, James, Miner, Pye Hill Colliery, 2nd Class, 28 November, 1916. Smith, Alfred, Miner, Pye Hill Colliery, 2nd Class, 28 November, 1916. A heavy fall of roof occurred and three men were buried. Foulds, Haddon, Heathcote, Short and Smith began removing the debris, setting props to secure the roof as they advanced. Stones continued to fall and on three occasions heavy falls broke the props they had set. Fortunately the rescuers managed to avoid the falls. They carried on working for seven hours until the men were reached and brought out. Unfortunately they were all dead. RHilliard, Matthew, Overman, Roachburn Colliery, 2nd Class, 28 January, 1908. Pattinson, Robert, Deputy, Roachburn Colliery, 2nd Class, 28 January, 1908. The roof or face of an excavation driven up to the outcrop in an inclined coal seam under moor land, in the neighbourhood of two small tarns gave way. Surface deposits of, moss / peat, sand, clay, and water, poured into the mine. 120 people escaped uninjured to the surface. Robert Pattinson waited at the foot an endless rope incline to see miners out. James William Wharton failed to come out so Pattinson went in search of him. Later Matthew Hilliard travelled same route. Robert Jackson, a stoneman, was the last surviving man to see Pattinson and Hilliard. He travelled outbye as the moss was coming down the endless rope bank. Pattinson and Hilliard failed to return. Haller, Fred, Deputy, Rossington Main Colliery, Bronze, 8 October, 1938. An abandoned heading was fenced off because gas. A man named Dakin was missing and it was noticed that planks used to fence off the heading had been moved. A light could be seen up the heading. Help was summoned and a man named Durkin arrived, followed by Haller, and another Deputy. A compressed air hose was not long enough to reach the fence so Haller sent for more hosepipe. (To try to dilute the gas). Meanwhile, Haller took a singlet saturated with water and went cautiously up the heading trying not to exhaust himself. Dakin was about forty yards from the fence and was unconscious. Haller managed to drag him to the fence. A few hours after his rescue Dakin completely recovered consciousness. Cartwright, Archer, Under-Manager, Russell Hall Colliery, 2nd Class, 17 April, 1910. Dando, Edwin Arthur, Doctor, Russell Hall Colliery, 2nd Class, 17 April, 1910. Slater, Samuel, Miner, Russell Hall Colliery, 2nd Class, 17 April, 1910. Walker, Isaiah, Miner, Russell Hall Colliery, 2nd Class, 17 April, 1910. Willetts, Anthony, Miner, Russell Hall Colliery, 2nd Class, 17 April, 1910. A fire occurred in a district liable to spontaneous combustion. The fire broke out about 114 yards from the downcast shaft. It was discovered when smoke issued from the upcast shaft. The Manager, along with several men, went to try to extinguish the fire. After some considerable time two men Cartwright and Willets, were sent to get tools from the surface. The Manager and two men continued trying to extinguish the fire. It was hot, smoky, and noxious gases overcame the three men. They had retreated a short distance from the fire. Willets returned and finding the manager unconscious, dragged him to the bottom of the shaft and took him to the surface. Willets, Cartwright and a third man, Slater, went down the pit to try to rescue the two men who had collapsed. After reaching them they tried to carry them back, however, Willets, suffering from this rescue and his earlier efforts, and with Cartwright and Slater feeling unwell, all three had to leave the area and the two unconscious men. When travelling back, Willets collapsed unconscious; Cartwright and Slater, were in no state to help him and they proceeded to the surface. They managed to tell Walker of Willets' condition and he descending the mine to rescue him. He crawled on his hands and knees to avoid the smoke and fumes. He found Willets, facedown, about 27 yards from the shaft and he dragged him to the pit bottom and took him to the surface. Walker entered the pit again to attempt to rescue two workmen who had been left in the mine: unfortunately, this time, failed. Dr. Dando was sent for when the fire broke out, he went down the pit and helped with the rescue work for several hours. Poisonous gases rendered him unconscious, and he was brought out of the pit. SHowells, Morgan, Miner, Seven Sisters Colliery, 2nd Class, 3 March, 1907. An explosion killed five men, injuring others. Howells was travelling outbye with a boy who became semi-conscious. Howells carried and dragged the boy 500 yards to safety, in the dark; their lamps had gone out. Bobbett, Arthur, Under-Manager, Six Bells Colliery, Bronze, 21 October, 1948. During operations to advance a conveyor it was necessary to remove one of the roof support bars. Two men set temporary supports and were trying to remove the bar when a large fall of roof dislodged the supports. One man jumped clear, but his workmate was trapped against the coalface by a bar with debris weighing down on top of it. . Bobbett soon arrived and crawled under the bar, placed a jack under the bar to support it, and started to saw through the bar. The bar seemed to be bearing the all the weight of the fall and it was feared the debris would fall on Bobbett when it was sawn through. As well as this danger, another fall could occur at any time. A large stone fell while Bobbett was working, adding to the pressure on the bar. The trapped man lost consciousness. For 45 minutes Bobbett sawed through the bar as men warned him of the danger when, at times, the debris moved. Unfortunately when the man was freed he was dead. Bobbett himself was killed at the Colliery only weeks later. Westoe, Wilfrid, Hewer, South Garesfield Colliery, Bronze, 27 October, 1923. A big roof fall completely buried and inflicted head injuries on a man called Mason. Westoe squeezed through a small opening to reach Mason and after an hour and a half he brought him out. Debris continued to fall during the rescue and another fall could have occurred which may have cut him off from any means of escape. Westoe risked his life saving Mason. Baker, John Thomas, Pony Driver, South Garesfield Colliery, Bronze, 17 May, 1929. Glendinning, Robert, Overman, South Garesfield Colliery, Silver, 17 May, 1929. Hughff, Samuel, Hewer, South Garefield Colliery, Bronze, 17 May, 1929. Kenny, John, Hewer, South Garesfield Colliery, Bronze, 17 May, 1929. Purvis, James Sydney, Pit Boy, South Garesfield Colliery, Bronze, 17 May, 1929. During blasting operations a deputy, Lowes, was injured. Glendenning was on the surface and he set off down the pit; Purvis and Baker were at the pit bottom, he took them, a tram and a stretcher to search for Lowes. Kenny and Hughff joined them. Five men had been trying to rescue Lowes; four were overcome by carbon monoxide gas and the other man managed to crawl to safety. Glendenning's rescue party came across the man about a quarter of a mile from the accident site. Glendenning realised the danger they faced and organised his men. They recovered the five-gassed men; unfortunately three were dead. In spite of the precautions taken by the rescuers in the thick, smoky foul air, Kenny and Hughff lost consciousness and they were removed to safety. Purvis was sent to bring more help while Glendenning and Baker continued with the rescue work until Baker was overcome. Glendenning was affected by the foul air however he carried on, and when further help arrived, the last man was brought out, after which Glendenning collapsed and was carried out of the pit. Humphries, William, Deputy, South Kirkby Colliery, Bronze, 11 February, 1922. Smith, George, Overman, South Kirkby Colliery, Bronze, 11 February, 1922. A man named Creighton, was completely buried by a fall of roof. Several men including Humphries and Smith went to his rescue and soon Creighton's head and shoulders were uncovered. However, the rescuers couldn't pull him out and so soon as debris was removed, it was filled by more. Sleepers were positioned to protect Creighton from the debris and after eight and a half hours he was freed. Humphries and Smith were chosen by their workmates as especially distinguishing themselves. Baster, Norman, Colliery Agent, South Kirkby Colliery, Bronze, 22 August, 1935. Beaman, George William, Collier, South Kirkby Colliery, Bronze, 22 August, 1935. Pollitt, James, Collier, South Kirkby Colliery, Bronze, 22 August, 1935. On the evening of the 22nd. August 1935, 22 men (including George William Beaman) were employed in building two stoppings in the Barnsley seam. Two small explosions had occurred at approximately 10.30p.m., these were believed to have been caused by a gob fire resulting from spontaneous combustion. The stoppings were being built to seal off the affected area. This incident was reported to have taken place some 1¾ miles from pit bottom. At 3.00 p.m. in afternoon of the 23rd. a third explosion in the area of the stoppings resulted in men being seriously burned. Three of the others, who had rescue apparatus, at once started to look for and help the injured, ten of whom were carried out of the district alive, but only one of these eventually recovered. During the progress of these operations some of the rescuers were considerably affected by fumes. It was later found that one man (Frank Dale) was still missing and at 4.0 p.m. a search for him was renewed by Norman Baster, the colliery agent, with the manager and four rescue men. When Frank Dale was found he was dead. A further explosion (at about 5.50 p.m.) then occurred while bringing Dale out on a stretcher; all six members of the rescue party suffered burns and those nearer the shaft who were looking after the men first injured, were also affected. At this point the rescuers left the body and returned to surface except for Charles Ball who had been injured in the third blast, he was somehow left behind. A party of 4 rescuers including Norman Baster and George Beaman went back inbye and recovered the body of Frank Dale and then made a return trip even further inbye in search of Charles Ball. Baster had no breathing apparatus and was eventually so much affected by fumes and also suffering from fatigue he had to retire, George Beaman and one other rescuer went even further in search of Ball but without success. Apparently at this point an erroneous report that Ball had reached the surface safely was made and it was not realised to be incorrect until sometime later. At 10.0 p.m. that night a further rescue party led by James Pollitt under great risk of the cumulating threat of an even greater explosion managed to find Ball and brought him to the surface. During these operations, which involved repeated journeys to and from the face, and some of the rescuers who were not equipped with special apparatus were considerably affected by fumes. They all displayed great courage and pertinacity. McCabe, John, Drawer, Stanrigg Colliery, Bronze, 9 July, 1918. July 1918, the weather was foul in the district around the Stanrigg and Arbuckle Pit, it had rained continuously for two weeks and the moss that overlay the pit workings was receiving a thorough soaking. The pit, which had three shafts, the No. 2 Arbuckle, the No. 3 Stanrigg, and an airshaft with a ventilation fan, extracted coal from the Humph and Virgin Seams; the Humph Seam being accessed by two stone mines that had been driven from the Virgin Seam. Between 10.00a.m. and 10.30 a.am. on July 9th. 1918, the ventilating current increased; it was soon clear that there was a breach and moss was flowing through a hitch in the clay into two roads leading from the Humph Seam. This cut off the retreat of any miners who had escaped the inrush. Seventy-seven men were in the pit, nineteen working in the Humph Seam. The flowing moss made its way through the pit and was seen by a man who was working in another section of the pit. He ran back shouting "The moss! The moss!" "It's coming down". Fifteen year-old John McCabe**, was at the bottom of number 3 shaft with two other drawers and three miners, when they were told by Matthew Penman and James Bennett that the moss had broken in; all escaped to the surface except John McCabe. McCabe, knowing that there were men at the face who might be cut off, ran a quarter of a mile to warn them. They were all gathered and raised to the surface by another shaft. McCabe did not know at the time he returned to the face where the moss had broken in. The moss could have filled the roads he travelled at any time but he thought of the safety of other miners before his own. The roads he travelled were indeed filled with moss later. Two of the men he saved were his brothers. For his bravery he was awarded the Edward Medal; this was later exchanged for the George Cross. He was also awarded a silver watch from the Carnegie Hero Fund. The Mines Rescue Brigade in Coatbridge, were contacted by phone, at 11.35 a.m. They descended No. 2 shaft at about 11.50 a.m. accompanied by Mr. Johnston, the manager, and Mr. William Black, the manager of nearby Ballochney Colliery, they proceeded along the communication road. It was not possible for them to access the Humph Section so they returned to the surface. Johnston accompanied by Mr. G. Thomson of the Giffnock Colliery at Whiterigg, went down No. 3 pit from where air entered the old Humph workings through a fault. The possibility of rescuing the men by driving a road from the old Humph workings was considered and work started on this from the bottom of the blind pit in the splint coal section. Meanwhile work began on a shaft from the surface immediately above the northwestern edge of the Humph Seam workings. Another plan was to clean out an old borehole, which had been sunk previously; this proved too difficult and it was abandoned when the borer decided that a new borehole could be done quicker. This new attempt failed due to the lining tubes breaking under the movement of moss. Eventually, after further attempts also failed, a fifth borehole reached the workings. This borehole indicated eight-feet nine-inches of water in the workings and that blackdamp was present. If any miners had survived the inrush, they would have been quickly killed by the blackdamp. The rescue operation soon became a recovery operation. Courageous attempts that included efforts to stem the flow of moss from the surface using tree branches and similar materials, clearing No.3 shaft of moss, sinking another borehole were carried out. Eventually access to the area where the men were working was achieved via a shaft sunk between the winding shaft and a point on the surface where the inrush took place. The first body recovered was William Marshall on the 27th. August 1918. By the 22nd. September 1918, eight bodies had been recovered; the other bodies were never recovered. Campbell, Joseph, Fireman, Swinhill Colliery, 1st Class, 7 February, 1913. Farquharson, Alexander, Miner, Swinhill Colliery, 2nd Class, 7 February, 1913. An explosion occurred in an old road. Campbell and Farquharson hurried to the old road, knowing that a fireman was there, and hoping they could rescue him. However, they were repelled by afterdamp. Campbell made two more attempts without success. They remembered that compressed air pipes led into the old road and had a blank flange on the end. It was quite a distance, but, Campbell and Farquharson crawled in and although the air was foul and Campbell's hands and legs were numbed, the flange was removed. Other men passed hosepipe to them and air was blown through the pipes to clear the afterdamp. Campbell ran with the end of the hose to try to reach the stricken fireman but the gas overcame him and he had to be carried out. Campbell and Farquharson showed great courage under dangerous conditions. Sadly the fireman died. Thompson, Thomas, Collier, Swinton Common Colliery, 2nd Class, 3 April, 1913. A heavy fall of roof shut off the coalface. Four of the five men working there got out, but the fifth man was injured and could not escape. Thompson worked, almost without a break, for ten hours, removing debris before the injured man was liberated. The roof was dangerous and three falls occurred during the rescue. TPadfield, Sydney William, Miner, Tilmanstone Colliery, Bronze, 27 February, 1931. William Gazard and Frederick Crofts were waiting for a set of empty tubs to pass when the front tub became derailed and crashed into iron girders, which supported the roof. Five were knocked out and the roof collapsed; one girder pinned Gazard. Crofts shouted for help, Padfield and others, rushed to help. Some debris was removed and the rescuers w |