New Search

Return to Search Results

Full Details

Surname
HUNTER
Forename
Robert
Day
28
Month
02
Year
1924
Age
57
Occupation
Pitheadman
Mine/Quarry Name
Donibristle, James Pit
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
Fife Coal Co. Ltd
Location
Cowdenbeath
County
Fifeshire
Details of Event
28 February 1924: Pitheadman's Awful Death - Caught in Engine - Death has removed another well-known inhabitant of Cowdenbeath in Robert Hunter, who met a shocking death while at work at the James Pit, Donibristle Colliery, belonging to the Fife Coal Company. Hunter, who was idle for several weeks, commenced recently as a pitheadman at the James Pit. On Thursday the power for the jigsaw engines was suddenly cut off, and being about one o'clock, Hunter thought it was “lousing” time and he commenced to do some work on the jiggers. He was standing on the screens when the power was again switched on and he was thrown amongst the machinery, meeting a terrible death before the machinery could be brought to a standstill. Bob was a familiar figure in Cowdenbeath, being born in the place 57 years ago, and has never left it. For some years he was a member of the old Fife Militia and during the whole of the history of Cowdenbeath Football Club he had been an ardent supporter, his words of encouragement being audible at Central Park. He leaves a widow and a grown-up family. [Dunfermline Journal 1 March 1924]