The history of coal mining plays a large part in the story of South Elmsall, with Frickley Colliery providing decades of employment for thousands of local people. Sadly, as was all too common in the coal mining industry, there were a number of fatalities either on site at the colliery, or of people who passed away from their injuries after surviving the initial accident. It is almost certain that we will never have a complete list of fatalities, for a number of reasons, but it is important to persevere in this challenge.

One of my key long term aims is to create an accurate, detailed list of all men who were killed at Frickley Colliery, or died directly as a result of injuries sustained in the colliery. This is an incredibly important but difficult task and we are not afraid to admit that we will probably never have a full list of names, for a number of reasons. You can help me in this by emailing any details or photographs you may have of victims, to eyup@thestoryofsouthelmsall.co.uk and by forwarding any evidence you have to me.

To complete this task i started with the list compiled by the Durham Mining Museum and cross referencing that against the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878-1951. I am then using various resources such as census records, birth records, burial records and so on, to prove (where possible) beyond reasonable doubt that names on both lists did indeed die whilst working at Frickley Colliery, and lived locally. I am also investigating newspaper archives to seek further information, where it was published.

One problem is that in the early years of Frickley Colliery’s existence there was another nearby colliery then known as Carlton Main near the village of Carlton, in Barnsley. This has created confusion for some others who have tried previously to investigate colliery accidents and fatalities. For most of Frickley Colliery’s life it was owned by the Carlton Main Colliery Company, and it is their name attached to various colliery accident documents, held in archives, hence the confusion. The Carlton Main Colliery Company also operated other nearby collieries, such as Grimethorpe Colliery, and often rescue teams would be brought into Frickley Colliery. Again, this has caused other very good historians to attribute deaths to the incorrect colliery, due to documents merely showing ‘Carlton Main Colliery Company’.

It is important that anyone with any information related to a missing name from this list to please contact us, so they can be remembered and included in the list. Only the names of men here who can be proven beyond any doubt to have been killed at Frickley Colliery will be included here. The Sheffield Daily Telegraph of Thursday the 9th of April 1908 reported a claim that the sinking of Frickley Colliery had reached the Barnsley seam without any fatal accidents, the sinking process had begun in 1903.

Albert Edward Godley – Died September 1909

The Eckington, Woodhouse and Staveley Express of Saturday the 25th of September 1909 noted that Albert had only been employed at Frickley Colliery for around 18 months, in his role as a Deputy. Around two weeks prior to his accident he had taken on the duties of a Traffic Manager. According to this same newspaper report Albert Godley lived on Wesley Street in Moorthorpe at the time of his death. Some time around the 3rd of September 1909 Albert was pinned between two tubs, though at first the accident seemed insignificant and he was quickly freed, he died in Doncaster Infirmary on the 22nd of September 1909. At the time of his rescue Albert was quoted as saying “I shall be right in a few minutes”. Albert’s left leg was so badly damaged that it was amputated below the knee, he died from shock and blood loss due to the severity of the injury. The newspaper report noted he was 40 years of age. The United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 states that Albert was employed as a Corporal, at Frickley Colliery, and died on the 15th of September 1909. According to this document Albert was lifting a full tub onto the rails, when the pulley holding the a rope broke, allowing the rope to fall. It caught on the hook of a timber tram pulling full tubs. Albert was crushed between a tub and the side.

Thomas A. Platts – Died December 1909

21 year old Pony Driver, Thomas Platts, died at Doncaster Infirmary, from injuries sustained at Frickley Colliery on the 19th of November 1909, according to a newspaper report published by the Sheffield Independent on Monday 29th of November 1909. The article noted that Thomas, who lived in Denaby, tripped on a sleeper, stumbled and fell onto the rails, where he was run over by a tub. Another tub, weighing three quarters of a ton, pinned him. He was rescued and taken to Doncaster Infirmary, with his back broken in two places and his thigh shattered. This report stated that he died on the 26th of December 1909. The United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 reported that Thomas’ name was Thomas A. Platts.

Richard Ralph Haughan – Died January 1910

The Sheffield Daily Telegraph of Wednesday 19th of January 1910 reported that 27 year old Shunter, Richard Ralph Haughan, died on the 18th of January 1910 at Doncaster Infirmary, following an accident at Frickley Colliery on the 17th of January 1910. This newspaper reported that Richard lived at Park Terrace Cottages in South Elmsall at the time of his death. The 1891 census shows that Richard was the son of Francis and Jane Haughan (spelled Haughin), and lived in Holme Low, in Cumbria. The 1901 Scottish census shows that a Richard Haghan, born 1883, lived in lodgings at 2 Cluther Street, in Glasgow, and was employed as a Railway Ticket Collector, this is more than likely the same man. United Kingdom Royal Navy Registers of Seamen’s Services 1848 to 1939 show that Richard Ralph Haughan was born on the 4th of January 1883 in Cumberland and the last ship that he served upon was the Vivid II, and he left service on the 4th of December 1902, after a short navy career. Marriage records show that Richard married Margaret Wilson, on the 20th of March 1907, at All Saint’s Church in South Kirkby, their address was recorded as ‘Front Row, Moorthorpe’, it is not currently understood which street this was. The United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 recorded that the accident occurred when Richard was sent by the shunter to lower two full wagons on to five more, about 100 yards on the low side of the screens. He was trying to couple one of these on to the five, when his pole got fast, probably between the link and drawbar, and he went between the wagons to liberate it. Whilst he was doing this, the other waggon bumped into the train and he was crushed between the buffers.

Henry John Ryles – Died May 1910

In a rather sparse report, by the Penistone, Stocksbridge and Hoyland Express on Saturday the 11th of June 1910, it was noted that Henry John Ryalls had died at Doncaster Infirmary, on the 10th of June 1910, from an injuries that occurred in an accident some time earlier in June 1910. Henry’s address was given as Wesley Street, and he had two children. It was reported that a roof fall had trapped him, and he died from a ruptured bowel. The United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 documents show that on the 31st of May 1910 Henry was trying to pull down coal, the coal fell and it knocked the end of the bar he was using into his stomach, which fatally injured him. Henry’s name on this document was John Ryles and his year of birth was 1880. Death records confirm that the newspaper article published the incorrect spelling of Henry’s name, his full name was Henry John Ryles. Cenus records show that Henry John Ryles was born in 1880, in Staffordshire, and was the son of Edwin and Martha Ryles.

John William Barsby – Died August 1913

The United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 recorded that J. W. Barsley died as a result of injuries sustained from an incident at Frickley Colliery on the 28th of August 1913. The record shows that whilst barring down some coal, a fall led to coal knocking out a prop, the end of which hit John in the stomach, causing a rupture which was not discovered until peritonitis set in. This record shows he was born in 1891. The Sheffield Independent of Tuesday the 2nd of September 1913 reported that John’s full name was John William Barsley, he was aged 22 and he lived at 86 Carlton Street in South Elmsall. Both of these records appear to be incorrect, as death records show that it was John William Barsby who perished, on the 29th of August 1913. Census records show that John was the son of John and Emma Barsby, and he was born in Leicestershire. Marriage records show that John married Mabel Ann Roberts, on the 30th of November 1912, at All Saint’s Church in South Kirkby. His address on the marriage register was given as 62 Cambridge Street, Moorthorpe.

Thomas Richard France – Died August 1923

There is no obvious record of the the death of Thomas within the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951. The Yorkshire Evening Post of Thursday 30th of August 1923 reported that Thomas Richard France was a 16 year old rope boy at Frickley Colliery, who was killed instantly when a runaway tub ran over him. The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times of Saturday the 8th of September 1923 reported that Thomas was the son of Richard France and lived at 142 East Avenue, South Elmsall. This report stated that Thomas was a Haulage Hand and was killed in late August 1923. The 1921 census shows that Thomas was born around 1907, in Chorley, Lancashire. At the time of the census he was employed as a young labourer at Frickley Colliery and he lived with his parents Richard and Elizabeth, at 32 High Street, South Elmsall.

William Waterson – Died October 1923

A Wagon Lowerer at Frickley Colliery, according to the inquest reported in the South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times of Saturday 20th of October 1923. This report noted that William died in Warde-Adlam Hopsital on the 19th of October 1923, having been fatally injured that day on the surface. The inquest noted that a young Screen Hand named Ernest Thompson, of 158 Harrow Street, Moorthorpe, had caused the injuries which led to the death of WIlliam. Ernest Thompson had been throwing down timbers from a window 16 feet up, into the pit yard below, and one struck William on the head. At the inquest the young screen hand was grilled on if throwing down timbers was normal, he said yes, and that his foreman knew of this being the case. The foreman denied this accusation. This same newspaper report of the inquest gave Williams address as 65 Cambridge Street, Moorthorpe, and his age as 35. The 1923 electoral register shows that William Waterson lived at 66 Cambridge Street, rather than 65, along with Terance and Daniel Waterson. The 1920 electoral register shows that William lived then at 75 Cambridge Street, where he also lived in 1921, as per the same registers. The 1921 census for 66 Cambridge Street only finds Terance Waterson recorded, employed on the surface at Frickley and lodging with a fellow Frickley miner by the name of James Higgins, and his family. This though provides a valuable clue, Terance Waterson’s year of birth and place of birth lead to the Waterson family being found on the 1911 census, in Barnsley. From this 1911 census we confirm that William Waterson was born in Denaby, around 1899, and was the son of Dan and Sarah Waterson. Dan Waterson was Irish, by birth. For some unknown reason William’s death was not recorded in the the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 documents.

Charles Herbert Frost – Died August 1924

The Sheffield Daily Telegraph of Friday the 22nd of August 1924 reported that Charles Frost, aged 63 and living at 9 Carton Street in South Kirkby, was killed by a roof fall at Frickley Colliery, on the 21st of August 1924. His body was recovered the following day. The United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 provides us with Charles’ full name, Charles Herbert Frost, sadly no birth year was recorded. This report noted that Charles had been tasked with renewing timbers and girders on a main engine plane. At the time of the accident the men were clearing the floor to prepare setting props under the cross girders, when, without warning, the girders fell together with about three tons of loose material fell on them, burying deceased, who was dead when got out six hours later. This report states that the accident occurred on the 20th of August 1924, and that Charles was employed as a Stoneman. Charles appears in the 1919 electoral register, living with his wife Martha, at 9 Carlton Street, confirming that the newspaper report was accurate. The 1921 census states that Charles was born around 1862, in Tickhill, and was employed at Frickley as a Dataller but the family seemed to be struggling, as they had a large number of lodgers living with them. Baptism records from All Saint’s Church in South Kirkby show that Charles and Martha baptised a daughter, Helena Ellen Frost, on the 31st of October 1900. A note in the margin notes that the child was buried on the 3rd of November 1900, the death is confirmed in the burial records of All Saint’s Church. Prison records show that Charles had been incarcerated at Wakefield Prison, for debts, on the 2nd of September 1910. Charles was no stranger to prison, in fact he appears to have been something of a habitual offender. On the 8th of January 1890 he was incarcerated at Wakefield prison, for stealing a goose and a drake. Again, on the 13th of December 1893 he was incarcerated at Wakefield prison, this time for drunk and disorderly. In 1911 both Charles and Martha were living with lodgers in the Durham area, where he was a miner, perhaps seeking a new life following the death of their daughter, and Charles’ release from prison, but ultimately they returned to South Kirkby.

William Hickman – Died December 1926

According to a newspaper report into the death of William Hickman, he died aged 43, he lived at 32 Broad Lane, and was a Stone Contractor at Frickley Colliery, at the time of his death. The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times of Friday 17th of December 1926 stated that William got caught up in a rope from a passing tub, and was dragged along. He was taken to Warde-Aldam, where he was given treatment for a dislocated shoulder, and internal injuries, but passed away on the 12th of December 1926 from internal injuries. William’s death is not recorded in the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951. The 1921 census tells us that William was born around 1883, in Pontefract, and that he was employed as a Hewer at Frickley Colliery, but at the time of the census he was visiting his family in Cleckheaton, with his young son Thomas Westerby Hickman. His wife, Hannah, was not with them. The 1911 census finds William, his wife Hannah and their son Thomas, living in Nottinghamshire, where William was employed as a miner. William was the son of Edward and Fanny Hickman, as confirmed by the 1891 census, and military records show that his parents were married in Pontefract on the 31st of January 1881, whilst his father was a Bugler in the armed forces. Baptism records from St. Giles’ in Pontefract record William’s date of birth as the 27th of July 1884. The 1939 register shows that William’s son, Thomas, followed in his father’s footsteps and worked as a miner, and continued to live on Broad Lane.

Reginald Bennett – Died October 1928

Aged just 16 at the time of his death, according to the South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times of Friday the 26th of October 1928, Reginald Bennett was a Pony Driver of 12 Clayton Street, South Kirkby. The newspaper article tells us that Reginald died when he, along with his pony, were buried by a roof fall. He was dead when rescuers reached him. Again Reginald’s death is not recorded in the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951. The 1921 census confirms that Reginald was born around 1912, in South Kirkby and that he lived with his siblings and mother, Laura Bennett, at 12 Clayton Street. Oddly the census records that both of his parents were alive, but his mother was living as a lodger and Housekeeper with another single man, George Henry Routledge.

Thomas Aspinall – Died October 1928

Another resident of Broad Lane, Thomas Aspinall was killed on the 19th of October 1928, according to a report in the South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times of Friday the 2nd of November 1928. This newspaper report is limited in terms of information, but tells us that Thomas was married to Clara Aspinall and they lived at 72 Broad Lane. The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times of Friday 18th of October 1929 noted the anniversary of Thomas’ death, and his children were noted as being Jack, Dick and Barbara. Once again this death is missing from the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 files. Death records tell us that Thomas was 48 at the time of his death. The 1921 electoral register notes that Thomas and Clara Aspinall lived at 78 Broad Lane. The 1921 census confirms that Thomas was born around 1875 in Cheshire, lived at 78 Broad Lane and was employed as a Stone Contractor at Frickley Colliery. At the time of this census he had two children, Richard and Barbara.

Jack Day – Died January 1929

Once again this death does not appear in the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 records. 15 year old Pony Driver Jack Day was the son of William Day and lived at 15 Westfield Lane, South Elmsall. He was killed by a roof fall on the 25th of January 1929. He was rescued within minutes, but was already dead when reached, as confirmed by the 25th of January 1929 edition of the Yorkshire Evening Post. The 1921 census confirms that Jack was born in 1913 and lived with his parents, William and Annie Day, and numerous siblings, at 15 Westfield Lane.

John Thomas Turner – Died July 1929

A resident of 96 Cambridge Street, Moorthorpe, according to the South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times of Friday the 2nd of August 1929, which reported on his death, John Turner was just 14 years of age. This newspaper article noted that John was killed by a runaway tub and that witnesses shouted to get out of the way but that the poor young boy “seemed bewildered and continued to stand facing the tubs, which knocked him down.” According to this newspaper report John was killed on the 31st of July 1929 but this death does not appear in the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 records. The 1921 census confirms that John was born around 1914 in Moorthorpe, and lived with his parents, Benjamin Thomas Turner and Anne Elizabeth Turner, at 96 Cambridge Street. Originally from Middlesbrough, John’s father also worked at Frickley Colliery, at the time of John’s death. The 1939 register shows that the family continued to live at 96 Cambridge Street, following the death of John.

Joseph Blackford – Died March 1931

Another death which is not included in the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 records, very little is known about the incident which killed Joseph Blackford. The Hull Daily Mail reported on Thursday 12th March 1931 that on the 11th of March 1931 Joseph was aged 63 and lived in South Kirkby and that he had died as a result of a roof fall at Frickley Colliery. The Sheffield Daily Telegraph of Saturday 14th of March 1931 reported that the inquest into Joseph’s death had returned a verdict of death by misadventure. The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer of Thursday 12th March 1931 noted that Joseph’s address was 76 Broad Lane and that he was 63 years of age, when he died. The 1921 census confirms that Joseph was employed at Frickley Colliery, and that he was born around 1867 in Staffordshire. At the time of the 1921 census Joseph was living with his wife, Sarah Ann Blackford, at 76 Broad Lane, along with his brother, William Blackford. At the time of the 1911 census the family were living at 107 Cambridge Street in Moorthorpe and First World War army pension records belonging to Joseph’s son, Joseph junior, show that Joseph had at least four children, Joseph, John Thomas, Edith Elizabeth and Mary.

Edgar Kilsby Williams – Died March 1931

The death of Edgar Kilsby Williams is recorded in the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 records but only his name, and that the accident occurred at Frickley Colliery on the 20th of March 1931. The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times of Friday 27th of March 1931 stated in it’s report that Edgar had died on the 21st of March 1931, and that he was a 42 year old Stone Contractor of 10 Saxon Avenue, South Kirkby. According to this report Edgar was pinned between a tub and a girder, having been run over by tubs, and suffered a fractured leg, pelvis and hip. Edgar was alive when freed, but died from his injuries minutes later. The article also noted that he was married to Alice Maude Williams. The 1930 electoral register shows that the family were then living at 16 First Avenue in South Kirkby, a stones throw from his address at the time of his death, on Saxon Avenue. Birth Records show that Edgar was born around 1889 in Monmouthshire and death records confirm his death was on the 20th of March 1931, showing that the newspaper report had a slight discrepancy. The 1921 census shows that the family were yet to arrive to South Kirkby, and Edgar was employed as a miner in Newport, Monmouthshire, where he lived with Alice and their three children. Edgar appears to have been buried in Caerphilly.

William Tooth – Died September 1931

William Tooth’s death is not recorded in the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 files and though newspaper reports of his death shows that he died at Frickley Colliery, his death remains something of a mystery. The Sheffield Daily Telegraph of Wednesday 16th of September 1931 reported that William, aged 63 and living at 80 Broad Lane, drowned in Frickley Colliery’s reservoir on the 14th of September 1931. This newspaper report noted that William had been missing from home for several days and that he had a tumour, which had been “playing on his mind”. An inquest into how William died reached an open vierdict. The 1921 census confirms that William was born around 1868, in Staffordshire, and was employed at Frickley Colliery, as a Hewer. The same census shows that he lived with his wife Sarah Tooth, and numerous children, at 80 Broad Lane. One of their sons, Arthur, served in the Royal Air Force, as a Navigator, and died in Holland, during World War Two. Whether or not William’s death can be directly attributed to his occupation as a miner at Frickley Colliery is open to debate, but we felt that he deserved to be remembered here.

William Evans – Died December 1931

The darkest single day in the history of Frickley Colliery came on the 28th of December 1931, when five deputies were killed during the process of opening up the colliery, following the Christmas shut down. The United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 records only the briefest of information about this incident, despite it being the most traumatic for the local community. This record inexplicably doesn’t even record that the colliery company was the Carlton Main Colliery company, merely stating that the five men were all Deputies, each man’s name and year of birth and that they were fatally gassed. The Nottingham Evening Post of the 28th of December 1931 noted that seven Deputies had entered the pit, and around 5am five of them were suddenly overcome by carbon monoxide. Two Deputies managed to make it to the surface but five of them sadly died. The Leeds Mercury gave a full account of the tragedy on Tuesday 29th of December 1931. It noted that William Evans lived on Broad Lane by the Leeds Mercury, on Wednesday the 30th of December 1931 and the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 noted that William was born around 1882. The 1921 census provides information that William was born in Owestry, Denbighshire in 1881 and lived with his wife, Caroline Evans, and multiple children, at 65 Victor Street, South Elmsall. In 1921 William was already employed by Frickley Colliery as a Deputy. William was the son of Mary Ann Evans, nee Milliship and the 1891 census shows his birth name as William Milliship, with him living with his mother and step-father Samuel Evans, in Shropshire. William married his wife Caroline on the 22nd of March 1908 in Denbighshire, with the name William Evans. By 1911 the census shows that the Evans family were living in Shropshire, where William was employed as a miner. Marriage records from All Saint’s Church in South Kirkby show that at least one of his children George William Evans, followed his father into working as a miner, and remained living in the area. The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer of Tuesday 29th of December 1931 reported that William had eight children and that he had been caught up in three colliery disasters, in his lifetime in the pits.

Thomas Howarth – Died December 1931

The United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 stated that Thomas Howarth was born around 1888 and the Leeds Mercury of Tuesday the 29th of December 1931 noted that Thomas Howarth lived on Broad Lane. At the time of the 1921 census Thomas lived on Minsthorpe Lane with his wife, Winifred Howarth, and their children. Thomas was noted in this census as having been born around 1888 in Ancoats, Lancashire, and by 1921 he was already employed as a Deputy at Frickley Colliery. Thomas have arrived in the area as a single man, as shown in the 1911 census, where he is recorded as a miner, lodging as a boarder at 10 Wesley Street in Moorthorpe. Thomas married Winifred, nee Butler, on the 1st of March 1915, at St. Mary the Virgin Church in South Elmsall, as recorded in their marriage records. This record shows that his father was Joseph Howarth, who himself was a coal miner and the 1901 census tells us that his mother was Jane Howarth. The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer of Tuesday 29th of December 1931 reported that Thomas had been employed at Frickley Colliery for around 18 years.

Joseph Kitching – Died December 1931

The Leeds Mercury reported, on Tuesday 29th of December 1931, that Joseph Kitching lived on North Avenue, South Elmsall. The United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 stated that Joseph was born around 1879. The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer of Tuesday 29th of December 1931 reported that Joseph had worked at Frickley Colliery for around 18 years and left a wife and three children. The 1921 census shows a Joe Kitching, a Labourer at Frickley Colliery, living on 13 Centre Street in South Elmsall, with his wife, Laura, and three children. This record seems likely to be the same man. The 1929 electoral register recorded the family living then on 22 Central Avenue. The 1881 census tells us that Joseph was the son of Valentine and Mary Kitching, and he was born around 1880, in Ardsley, Barnsley. The 1921 census records for South Elmsall show that Valentine Kitching and various other extended family of Joseph also had moved to South Elmsall from Barnsley.

James Parsons – Died December 1931

James Parsons year of birth, as provided by the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951, was 1888 and the Leeds Mercury of Tuesday the 29th of December 1931 reported that James lived on Broad Lane. The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer of Tuesday 29th of December 1931 reported that James was a considerably good athlete and that he left behind a widow with six children. The 1921 census notes that James was already employed as a Deputy at Frickley Colliery by 1921 and lived at 18 Poplar Terrace, South Elmsall, with his wife Gertrude Amy Parsons, and three children. This census records that James was born around 1888 in Staffordshire. The 1911 census records that James was employed as a miner and living on Grove Lane in Hemsworth, with his parents, William and Jane Parsons, despite being 22 years of age. Marriage records from St. Helen’s Church in Hemsworth note that not much later, on the 5th of June 1911, James married Gertrude Amy Bastow. This record confirms his then address as 12 Grove Lane, Hemsworth, and that his father was also a coal miner.

James Pickup – Died December 1931

The United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 stated that James Pickup was born around 1886 and the Leeds Mercury on Tuesday 29th of December 1931 noted that James lived on Common Road, South Kirkby. The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer of Tuesday 29th of December 1931 reported that James left three children and a widow. The 1921 census confirms that by 1921 James was already employed as a Deputy at Frickley Colliery and was married to Lena Pickup. The family then lived at 2 Blundell Road, Moorthorpe. This document records that James was born around 1887 in Taxal, Cheshire. The 1911 census recorded the family then living at 11 Cambridge Street, Moorthorpe, and James was employed as a Fitter in the colliery. The 1901 census records that James was the son of Alfred and Mary Pickup.

The five Frickley Colliery Deputies were buried at in a joint service, at Moorthorpe Cemetery, as reported by the Leeds Mercury on Wednesday the 30th of December 1931. It was remarked on that the service went so late into the evening that the mourners and clergy had to read by candle light. The Nottingham Evening Post of the 1st of January 1932 reported that around 10,000 mourners attended the funeral procession to Moorthorpe Cemetery.

John Bradley – Died February 1933

The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer of Saturday the 4th of February 1933 reported that 61 year old Joseph Bradley, a single man living on Westfield Lane in South Elmsall, had been killed by a roof fall at Frickley Colliery, on the 3rd of February 1933. Death records confirm that John’s name was John, not Joseph, as reported in the press. The United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 confirm the name on that record is John Bradley. This record notes that at start of his shift John was proceeding up a passbye when there was a fall which and knocked him against a set of tubs.

Walter Stanley Donaldson – Died May 1933

Walter Stanley Donaldson was aged 50, when he was killed at Frickley Colliery in May 1933. The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times reported on Friday 19th of May 1933 that Walter had been joking around and suddenly collapsed and died, without warning. The article noted that Walter lived at 12 Holmsley Mount, South Kirkby, and had served in the Boer War and again in the First World War, having reached the rank of Sergeant. Walter’s death is not recorded in the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951. The 1921 census tells us that Walter was born around 1882 in Nottinghamshire and in 1921 was employed as a Hewer at Frickley Colliery. He lived then at 62 Burton Street, Moorthorpe, with his wife Emma Donaldson and their son, Harry. The 1911 census confirms that Walter was a serviceman, recording him in China and Hong Kong with 87 Company Royal Garrison Artillery, as a Gunner. On the 7th of June 1919 Walter married Emma Oxley at St. James with Christ Church in Thornes, Doncaster. His father was recorded as Edward Donaldson. Burial records from All Saint’s Church in South Kirkby show that Walter was buried on the 20th of May 1933.

Joseph White – Died June 1934

The United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 records the death of Joseph White occurred on the 15th of June 1934. This record notes that Joseph was a Haulage Hand, born in 1914. The incident occurred when a set of 12 empty tubs were usually drawn from the terminus of haulage beyond the loading point, by hand as there as a breakage. Whilst Joseph was uncoupling the tubs they moved and his head was crushed between the tubs. The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times on Friday the 22nd of June 1934 reported that Joseph lived at 254 Harrow Street, Moorthorpe, and that he had served in India with the Royal Artillery. The 1921 census confirms that Joseph White lived at 254 Harrow Street, and that he was born around 1913, in Moorthorpe. His mother was recorded as being Annie Cooper and his step-father Isaac Cooper. World War One pension cards show that Joseph’s date of birth was the 23rd of September 1913 and his father was also named Joseph White. Joseph White senior was killed in action in the First World War, on the 28th of August 1916, serving with the 1/5th King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.

Ernest Rhodes – Died June 1934

On the 19th of June 1934, just days after the death of a fellow miner, Ernest Rhodes was fatally injured at Frickley Colliery. The United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 file records that Ernest was born around 1918 and that he was employed at Frickley Colliery as a Haulage Hand. This document recorded that whilst carrying out a task to reduce the number of loops on the haulage rope of a lashing chain, attached to front set of slow moving tubs, Ernest stepped backwards into a space between the sleepers and trapped his foot, where he was run over and killed. The Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail of Wednesday 20th June 1934 reported that 16 year old Ernest lived on Valley Street. The 1921 census records that young Ernest lived at 256 Valley Street, South Elmsall, with his parents George and Elsie Rhodes. He was born in South Elmsall.

Clifford Hennel – Died April 1936

The death of Clifford Hennel does not appear in the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 records. The Leeds Mercury noted in their brief article of Thursday 30th of April 1936 that Clifford Hennel was aged 18 and lived on West Street, South Kirkby, and was working as a Haulage Hand at Frickley Colliery when he was run over by a tub and killed. The 1921 census confirms that Clifford was born in Moorthorpe, around 1918. At the time of the census he was living with his family at 137 Cambridge Street, Moorthorpe. The census records show that his father, John Thomas Hennel, was also a coal miner, his mother was Gertrude Hennel. The family continued to live locally, following the death of Clifford, as shown by the 1939 register. A South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times article from Saturday 16th of January 1943, reflecting on the loss of Clifford, noted that his older brother, Thomas, also worked at Frickley Colliery and was there the day of Clifford’s fatal accident.

Thomas Edward Roden – Died January 1937

According to the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 Thomas E. Roden was born around 1917 and died as a result of an accident on the 11th of January 1937, whilst carrying out his duties as a Haulage Hand. This record states that towards the end of Thomas’ shift three colleagues were bringing in a winding wheel which was three feet in diameter, but when they lost control of the wheel it collided him Thomas, causing him fatal injuries. The Bradford Observer of Tuesday 12th of January 1937 reported that Thomas’ full name was Thomas Edward Roden, he was 20 years of age and lived at 29 Faith Street in South Kirkby. This report also noted that Thomas suffered a fractured skull, and was taken to Warde-Aldam Hospital and pronounced dead half an hour after arriving. The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times of Friday 14th of January 1938 reflected on the anniversary of Thomas’ death, and noted that his father was Richard Roden. The 1921 census shows that Thomas was born in south Kirkby, around 1916, and that his mother was Margaret Jane Roden. Thomas’ father was also a coal miner by trade, and originally came from Staffordshire.

Joseph Melding – Died September 1937

Joseph Meldin was employed at Frickley Colliery when he was buried and killed by a fall, on the 17th of September 1937, as recorded in the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 files. This document tells us that Joseph was born around 1891. The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times reflected on the anniversary of the accident, on Friday the 16th of September 1938, and noted that Joseph was the husband of Emily Meldin, and he lived at 52 West Street, South Kirkby, and had three children. The 1924 South Kirkby electoral register shows that the family’s accurate surname was in fact Melding, and that in 1924 Joseph and Emily lived at 52 West Street, South Kirkby. They continued to be recorded in these electoral registers, as Melding, until Joseph’s death. This important correction to Joseph’s name enables us to trace that at the time of the 1921 census he was staying with the Brindley family in Salford, along with Emily Brindley. From here we find a marriage record that shows that Joseph married Emily on the 9th of July 1921. Working back from here again, the 1911 census records that Joseph was the son of James and Phoebe Melding, and the family at that time lived at 77 Carlton Road, South Elmsall, and Joseph was employed as a coal miner. Baptism records show that Joseph was baptised on Christmas Day 1891, at St. George’s in Barnsley.

Norman Alfred Smith – Died October 1937

The Yorkshire Evening Post of Saturday 23rd of October 1937 reported that 23 year old Norman Smith of Grimethorpe Street had been killed by a fall of stone, at Frickley Colliery, on the 22nd of October 1937. This newspaper article noted that Norman was an exceptional sportsman, playing cricket for Frickley Colliery Cricket Club and football for Highfield Social Club, in the South Kirkby League. This article also stated that Norman was employed as a Stone Contractor and had been struck in the head by the fall of stone. The Bradford Observer of Monday 25th of October 1937 noted that Norman had been a founder of the Highfield Social Club football team and that Frickley Colliery and Bradford City held a minutes silence for him, at their game that week. The United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 record shows that Norman was born around 1914 and was a Contractor, fatally injured on the 23rd of October 1937. This records states that whilst Norman was holding a light for his mate at face, a piece of stone fell and struck his knee. He was heard to cry out and seen bent over looking at his knee when another piece of stone fell from a height of eight feet, which killed him instantly. Death records show that a Norman A. Smith died locally at this time, from here we can be confident that the Norman Alfred Smith living at 95 Victor Street, South Elmsall, in the 1921 census is the same man. Norman’s parents were David and Alice Smith, and he was born in South Elmsall. The 1936 electoral register proves that Norman lived with his parents at 207 Grimethorpe Street in 1936. Norman’s father, David, is recorded in the 1921 census as being employed as a Deputy at Frickley Colliery.

John William Turner – Died December 1937

The United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 record notes that John W. Turner was killed as a result of an accident on the 28th of December 1937. It is worth noting though that, according to this record, there were two John Turners employed by the Carlton Main Colliery Company, who died within days of one another, both dying from being overcome by smoke or fumes. This is almost certainly a duplicated entry of the same man’s death. Curiously John’s birth year is recorded as 1883, which is not even close to the age reported elsewhere. According to the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 entry John was a Fitter and was overcome by fumes, and was dead when reached by the rescue party one and a half hours later. The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times of Friday the 7th of January 1938 reported that John lived at 9 Albany Street in South Elmsall, and was aged 34 at the time of his death. The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times of Friday the 7th of January 1938 reported that John had been with another miner when the fire was discovered and John had been overcome by smoke, but miraculously John Platt escaped and raised the alarm. An obituary published in the South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times of Friday 7th January 1938 noted that John’s parents were Mr and Mrs B. Turner, which ties to a 1921 census showing that John’s parents were Benjamin and Sarah Turner and at the time of the 1921 census John lived with them at 129 Carlton Road, and he was employed as a Pony Driver at Frickley Colliery. The 1911 census shows the family living at the same address on Carlton Road, and notes that John was born around 1904, in Denaby. A further report in the Bradford Observer on Thursday the 30th of December 1937 confirmed that John’s full name was John William Turner, and noted that John was not meant to be at work the day he died, but changed his mind at the last moment and went into work. Another report from the South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times on Friday 31st of December 1937 confirmed that John left a widow and four children. This report also recounted a previous near death experience, which John had survived, when he crashed his lorry through a wall close to Lady Bower.

John Brooham – Died July 1938

Recorded incorrectly on the United Kingdom Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index 1878 to 1951 as John Booham, killed on the 18th of July 1938, when trapped between the buffers of two railway waggons, on the surface. This record notes that John was a Labourer on the surface, born around 1892. The Bradford Observer of Tuesday 19th of July 1938 confirms that John’s accurate name was John Brooham, and that he lived at 170 Gordon Place, South Elmsall, at the time of his death, and was aged 46. The 1921 census records that John at that point worked as a Dataller at Frickley Colliery and lived at 39 Wesley Street, Moorthorpe, with his wife Sarah Margaret Brooham, and their son John Brooham junior. Marriage records from All Saint’s Church in South Kirkby show that John married Sarah Margaret Speight on the 6th of July 1918. This record notes that John was the son of George William Brooham. John and Sarah were neighbours on Wesley Street at the time of their marriage. At the time of the 1911 census John was living as a boarder at 38 Wesley Street, and employed as a Rope Hand at Frickley Colliery.