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Full Details

Surname
RUSSELL
Forename
Thomas (Injured)
Day
10
Month
02
Year
1916
Age
25
Occupation
Miner
Mine/Quarry Name
Bog
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
Hamilton, McCulloch & Co. Ltd
Location
Hamilton
County
Lanarkshire
Details of Event
10 February 1916: Fatal Pit Accident at Larkhall - Early yesterday morning Robert Russell, miner, 61 London Street, Larkhall, and his son, Thomas, residing at High Pleasance, Larkhall, were the victims of a serious accident in the Ell coal seam, Bog colliery, Larkhall. They were about to start work when a fall from the roof took place, completely enveloping both men. Help was speedily at hand, and they were rescued. The father lived only a short time, while the son had a fracture to the skull and was removed to the infirmary in a serious condition. Two other workmen had a narrow escape. The Russell family sustained a loss at the battle of Loos, their third son, Alexander, being killed in action. [Scotsman 11 February 1916] Colliery Accident – A serious colliery occurred in the Bog Colliery Ell coal seam early on Thursday morning in which Robert Russell, 54 years of age, 61 London Street, and a married son Thomas Russell, aged 25, 10 High Pleasance, were involved. Two other workmen had a narrow escape. In order to reach their place of work they had to make use of a blind shaft, and while the ascent was in progress a number of bricks became detached and fell on the Russells with disastrous results. Willing hands were ready to give all possible assistance. The elder Russell died on his way to the pit bottom, and his son, who sustained a fracture of the skull, was removed to the Royal Infirmary where he lies in a precarious condition. Russell was an ex-soldier and was in possession of several decorations, including the Egyptian medal and clasp and the Burmese star. In the battle of Loos, Alexander, the third son, was killed, and this additional bereavement has evoked sincere sympathy for the afflicted family. [Hamilton Herald 12 February 1916]