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Some Special Interests => Occupation Interests => Topic started by: Linna on Saturday 13 May 17 15:45 BST (UK)
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I was reviewing a 1939 register entry for one of my ancestors and came across an occupation I cannot decipher. I have been on the Durham and Welsh sites recommended by others in this forum but can't find the occupation.
I have attached an image and hope that someone can enlighten me.
1939 Register reference is 7324J-009 XJGY line 39 for Albert Jay.
Thanks
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Somebody will probably come along with exactly the right answer but I can only distinguish two words with certainty.
"Colliery" --- "Boy"
Young boys did a myriad of jobs; if the last letter was an "r", I could see the middle word as "Sorter" = Colliery Sorter Boy. I haven't the foggiest notion of what needs sorting down a mine, but have found an old occupation list.
*pick sorter
sorts blunt from sharp picks and other tools at pit bottom and distributes them to colliers; or places them in numbered holes ready for colliers.
http://doot.spub.co.uk/code.php?value=047
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Is it a poor spelling of:
Colliery errand boy
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It's colliery screen boy.
This coal was passed over a 'screen' through which the small pieces and other detritus fell, leaving only the larger pieces of coal. This job was often done by young boys.
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A screen boy picked out dirt (stone or other impurity) from the coal as it passed on the picking belts. The coal did not pass over a "screen". See Horden Collieries Ltd. Screens - Blackhall at http://ppparchive.durham.gov.uk/photos/picviewer.asp?next=25
Stan
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The coal did not pass over a "screen".
Thank you for putting me right :-X
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You can see Screen Boys at an earlier time at http://www.healeyhero.co.uk/rescue/pits/Clifton/Screens.jpg
Stan
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Could it be "colliery bottom" boy?
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May be another name for a trapper - a young boy who would be employed at the air doors, opening and closing to allow the passage of tubs to and from the face.
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I can now see:
Colliery Screen Boy
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;D
Thanks to all of you who took the trouble to reply.
Having looked through the suggestions I believe that the puzzling word in the middle is "screen". checking the other writing on the same register page I could decipher the S and now looking closely I can see an r and at least one e.
Thanks for your help and for letting me know what a screen boy was. I've noted the URLs for future use.
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Hi Linna, I've only just come across this message and I see it was posted quite some time ago so I'm hoping that you'll get this.
In your post you say that Albert Jay, the boy whose occupation you were trying to decipher, is one of your ancestors. Can I please ask how you are related to him as I too am related to him.