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Full Details

Surname
COLE
Forename
Robert
Day
09
Month
06
Year
1907
Age
18
Occupation
Windlassman
Mine/Quarry Name
Bentley, Sinking
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
William Morris
Location
Lane Head
County
Staffordshire
Details of Event
The sinking of a small shaft was commenced 3rd June and when men left work on the 8th June it had reached a depth of 28 feet. Work was carried on during the day shift only and during the week no chokedamp had been seen. On the morning of Sunday 9th June deceased and some others went to change the windlass but as enough man did not turned out the work was not proceeded with. The owner left for a short time and in his absence deceased asked another lad to lower him to the bottom of the shaft that he might bring up some tools. He had only descended about 9 feet when he was overcome by chokedamp and fell to the bottom breaking his neck. The owner returned immediately after and attempted to descend but he could get no more than 6 feet down. Water was thrown down the shaft and air led down by means of a canvas bag but it was two hours before the body could be recovered. No examination of the shaft had been made before the owner left and it was not intended that anyone should descend. The tools left in the bottom were not required although deceased apparently assumed that they might be.