Single Record

Full Details

Surname

YOUNG

Forename

James (Injured)

Day

20

Month

01

Year

1917

Age

Occupation

Shaftsman

Mine/Quarry Name

Cowdenbeath, No.7 Pit

Mineral Worked

Coal

Owner

Fife Coal Co. Ltd

Location

Cowdenbeath

County

Fifeshire

Details of Event

20 January 1917: Death of James Newton & Charles Boyd No.7 Pit, Cowdenbeath Colliery - Award of The Edward Medal in Silver to - Mr George Shearer Christie, Mr James Erskine, Mr David Baird, Mr Andrew Scott, Mr Edward McCafferty, and Mr John Boyle. On the 20 January 1917, at about 10am, while operations were being conducted for the widening of the shaft at Cowdenbeath Colliery, Fife, a portion of the side of the shaft collapsed, throwing a workman named Newton down the mine to a scaffold about 90 feet below. Scott, McCafferty and Baird at once descended in a large bucket or kettle to attempt a rescue. The whole of the shaft below the point at which the fall occurred was in a highly dangerous condition; stones and rubbish were continually falling, and there was constant danger of a further collapse. Newton was found alive and conscious, buried beneath about 12 feet of debris and pinned by some fallen timber. The men worked continuously from 10.45am until 7pm. They were joined at 11 am by Christie, and at 1.30pm by Erskine, both of whom remained at work with the others until 7pm. During the whole of this period all five men were in serious danger. At 12.24pm Boyle descended in the kettle with two other men. While the kettle was descending a fall occurred, killing one of his companions and injuring another. Boyle drew the kettle to the side of the shaft until the fall was over, and then took the kettle again to the surface. He subsequently remained in charge of the kettle, exposed to constant danger, until 7pm. At 7pm, after 9 hours' continuous and highly dangerous labour, the rescue party was relieved by other men. Unfortunately Newton died at 8.30pm. Attempts to recover his body were then postponed until the shaft could be worked with greater safety. [The Times 22 Oct 1917] Serious Pit Accident In Fife - Results in Two Men Losing Their Lives And Three Others Sustaining Severe Injuries - One of the most serious mining accidents that has occurred in West Fife for some years took place at No.7 Pit Cowdenbeath, belonging to the Fife Coal Company, on Saturday. The pit has been in use for forty years, and with view to its further development the shaft has been under reconstruction during the past twelve months. Four men - Andrew Scott, Park Street; George Muir Foulford Road; James Newton Moss-side Road; and Edward M'Cafferty Lochore - were engaged in the shaft on Saturday and prior to going to the surface at breakfast time they fired a number of shots for the purpose of breaking up the stone necessary for the widening of the shaft. On descending to their working place in the kettle they began to clear away the loose material. Newton had just stepped from the kettle onto the ledge, when a large stone on which he was standing gave way beneath him. It fell down 12 fathoms and Newton fell beside it, and was firmly caught by the legs by other material that came away. Mr Henry Rowan and his staff of managers were early on the scene, and, with the help of the other men employed in the reconstruction work, brave efforts were made to rescue Newton. Unfortunately another accident occurred, which delayed operations. More Accidents – A party were descending in the kettle when a fall of stone struck them. Charles Boyd, Broad Street, a pit contractor, was fatally injured, and James Young, shaftsman, Broad Street, sustained an injury to one of his knees. The work of rescue, however, was continued. The imprisoned man was conscious, and made pathetic appeals to have his legs released. Later in the evening two other men were injured in the same manner. James Fisher, shaftsman, Kelty had one of his arms broken, and Archibald Brown, Broad Street, was badly bruised about the back and chest. At eight o’clock in the evening, Newton died where he had fallen and after that it was thought advisable to take precautions for safety before attempting to get out the body. This work is being proceeded with. About 6 o’clock Charles Boyd died in the West Fife Hospital. He leaves a widow and four of a family. Newton leaves a widow and three of a family. [Dundee Courier 22 January 1917]