Question about Cadeby Main disaster 1912

[marcuswraight]

My great grandfather (who was a miner) was apparently working at Cadeby Main in 1912 when there were two explosions that killed many miners. I know where to find lists of those killed, background on the disaster itself - I think there is even a Parliamentary report out there available on the internet about what happened. What I am trying to establish is whether there was a list of survivors, rescuers, the injured, and accounts from survivors about what happened from their point of view. In essence I am trying to establish whether he, indeed, was working on that day and what role - if any - he played in the aftermath. Clearly he would have lost lots of friends,and neighbours, but it is the specifics of his role I am trying to nail down. Any suggestions? Are there such lists floating about somewhere?

I'm also wondering if there are suggestions about books that were written about the disaster, either shortly afterwards or between then and now. The 100th year anniversary is coming up too...

Suggestions or pointers of any kind are very welcome. I'm a recent emigree to the US (from Devon), so need all the help I can get!

Marcus

[J.R.Ellam]

I you google Cadeby Main there are several websites for the colliery.

You could also try the National Mining Museum.

John

[marcuswraight]

Yeah, there's a fair bit out there - it is the stuff that's not obvious or hidden that I'm trying to nail. The sites that come up are great, and have some fantastic pictures, some have newspaper articles about the disaster (The Times's archive is great too).. perhaps even lists of those who died. But survivors, rescuers etc? Not so much!

I'm interested by your suggestion about the museum. Where is that? That's certainly worth following up...

Thanks!

Marcus

[J.R.Ellam]

The National Mining Museum is at the Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, WF4 4RH
They have a website and you can contact them at info AT ncm.org.uk

John

[maidmarion]

Hi Marcus,

Lots of records and information relating to the Cadeby Disaster are kept at Doncaster Archives.
Have a look at their excellent online index at this link. 
http://www.doncaster.gov.uk/db/APNI/results.asp?GroupBy=Category&ID=1430&Page=1

There is also some interesting bits written by Catherine Bailey in her book "Black Diamonds."

maidmarion

[Redroger]

While you are in contact with Doncaster Archives it might be worth looking at the records deposited by the late Councillor Jim McFarlane, leader 1983-85 who lived in Denaby and also did a lot of historical research on the mining industry in the immediate area.

[tomkin]

South Yorkshire Mining Disasters Volume 2 The Twentieth CenturyBrian Elliott
Found in: Local History Books
Series: Mining Heritage
Paperback 176 pages
ISBN: 9781845630577

Published: 19 November 2009
£12.99
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   The extent and frequency of coal-mining disasters was far less during the twentieth century compared with the Victorian times, especially after the nationalisation of the industry in 1947. Legislation, inspection and knowledge of the main causes of accidents, especially concerning emissions of gas and explosions, combined to reduce the chances of major mishaps. When disasters did occur, an increasingly highly-trained and well-equipped mines rescue service came into action, saving lives, even at the expense of some of their own brave members. Yet through much of the century coal mining continued to be a highly dangerous occupation, day-to-day fatalities occurring on a regular basis; and the bigger disasters: at Maltby Main, Bentley, North Gawber and Wharncliffe Woodmoor, attracted widespread media attention, causing immense suffering to bereaved families and communities. At the time of the Cadeby disaster of 1912 when there were 88 deaths, including rescue workers and mine inspectors, there were about 2,600 collieries operated by almost 1500 independent concerns and a work-force of around 1,100,000. By the 1970s, about the time of the last disasters covered in this volume there were still 240 working pits. Brian Elliott’s book helps us to appreciate the great debt that we owe to our recent coal-mining ancestors. We should never forget them.Brian Elliott is the son of a Wharncliffe Woodmoor miner and has written extensively on coal-mining and social history. His recent books include Yorkshire Mining Veterans, South Yorkshire Mining Disasters (Vol 1) and Lord Mason. Barnsley Pit Lad to Peer. He is often consulted by the media on matters relating to local history and the history of the coal-mining history in particular, including the 1984/85 strike on which he has compiled two notable books: The Miners’ Strike Day by Day and Yorkshire’s Flying Pickets.

 I have the 1st volume of this series (19th century) and it is very good.
Perhaps  this new volume answers some of your questions.

Tomkin

[marcuswraight]

All this is really useful thank you.

Was any book published specifically on the disaster?

On the advice of one of the posters, I contacted the museum mentioned, and had a reply that could not help me but I will put on this board in case it is useful to others in the future.

A report was compiled by the Inspector of Mines for the disaster.  An article from the Colliery Guardian lists members of the rescue party as: S. Jackson,  J. Steadman, C. Fletcher, F. Storrs, E. Croxall, W. Berry,  W. Dove,  H. Cusworth, W. Goldmark,  A. E. Rowell, J. Beech, C. Prince,  Sydney Ellis, W. Humphreys, E. Evans

It was pointed out that the article is unclear as to whether these members of the rescue party were amongst those who lost their lives. The second explosion occured when the rescue was underway.

The following names are taken from the photocopy of the Inspectors Report and were called as witnesses: S. J Bridges, H. S. Whitty, J. Springthorpe, J. Farmer, W. Humphries, G. Fisher, H. Hulley, P. Murgatroyd, T. Slater, E. Dove, W. Barnbrook, G. Ackeroyd, T. S. Wallis, A. Birch, A. Farmery, B. S.Smith, J. Hill, G. H. Golding.

Unfortunately none of this actually reveals whether my great grandfather (Durant) was there - but it all adds a little to human knowledge to have this kind of information out there.
Marcus

[marcuswraight]

Just to add.. I've just had a look at the archive index too.. again, really really useful, thanks.
Marcus