Single Record

Full Details

Surname

SHANKLAND

Forename

David

Day

06

Month

09

Year

1915

Age

52

Occupation

Miner

Mine/Quarry Name

Fauldhead, No.1 Pit

Mineral Worked

Coal

Owner

Sanquhar & Kirkconnel Collieries Ltd

Location

Kirkconnel

County

Dumfriesshire

Details of Event

6 September 1915: Pit Fatality At Kirkconnel - Miner's Tragic Death - On Monday afternoon a fatal accident occurred in No.1 Fauldhead Colliery, Kirkconnel, whereby Mr David Shankland, who resided at 40 Main Street, lost his life through a fall of stone from the roof. The accident occurred in the long wall section known as Neil's Dook, where Shankland was employed as wall or prop man, whose duties were to examine the roof of the working places and put up props where they are required. The accident occurred in the place worked by Andrew M’Minn, St Conal's Square. Mr M’Minn says he was working at his coal face along with James Wilson and his own son about 2.30 pm. They were filling coals into a hutch, the coal having been cut by a coal cutting machine. They had just concluded their day's work when Shankland came along the "face" to where they were working. Pointing to some coals which were lying at the face, Shankland said “I could get a hutch of coals there." M’Minn went forward to the coals referred to, and was in the act of filling them into a hutch when a stone weighing about 10 cwts. fell from the roof and knocked him down. The edge of the stone struck M’Minn slightly on the right shoulder, and his right foot was held fast under it. He struggled to get it clear, and at the same time he heard Shankland cry "Quick, quick." On rising M’Minn saw them was something seriously wrong with Shankland. With the help of Wilson and his own son, he tried to lift the stone off the top of the unfortunate man, but failed to do so. They got the assistance of more workmen and levered the stone up and got Shankland out, but it was then found that he was dead. The body was conveyed to the pithead, and then to his home in Main Street. Dr Dunlop was sent for, and saw the body after it had been conveyed home. The sad occurrence caused a gloom over the village, where deceased was well-known and held in high respect. The afternoon shift did not descend the pit out of respect for their unfortunate comrade. Deceased was 52 years of age, and was one of the old residents of Kirkconnel. He was vice-president of the local quoiting club, and was a prominent figure at all the local tournaments and matches. He was an adept at the penny pitching game, and carried off many prizes. He leaves a widow and ten of a family, several of whom are grown-up. Two of his sons are presently fighting with the colours. These are Private Robert Shankland 5th K.O.S.B., in the Dardanelles, and Private John Shankland, 6th K.O.S.B., in France. The sympathy of the locality goes out to the bereaved widow and family. [Dumfries and Galloway Standard 8 September 1915]