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Details of Event: 21 December 1925: A Pithead Hero - The heroic conduct of a pithead labourer in attempting to save the life of a fellow worker at the sacrifice of his own led a jury at Haddington yesterday to express appreciation of his noble efforts. The deceased, Robert Moodie, residing at 16 Kirk Street, Prestonpans, was, along with James Peden and others, engaged on 21st December last in emptying hutches at Prestonlinks Colliery at a burning refuse bing. The base of the bing is washed by the sea tides, and this, along with the stormy weather, caused its foundations to collapse. Peden was thrown over the top among the burning ashes. Moodie, although he was in complete safety, gallantly proceeded to his rescue, and was also severely burned, latterly falling into the sea. Both men were removed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where Moodie subsequently died. Mr E.H. Fraser, H.M. Inspector of Mines, strongly commended the gallant action of Moodie, whose death, he said, was entirely due to his attempt to rescue Peden. Although he did not succeed in reaching Peden, yet it was a noble sacrifice, and he thanked the jury for recognising this. Sheriff Jameson also commented upon the deceased's gallantry. Mr Fraser intimated that he would bring the matter before the trustees of the Carnegie Hero Fund, so that Moodie's action might be fittingly recognised. [Scotsman 9 March 1926]