Disasters - Names		Disasters - Names

Date:	19th April 1929
Colliery:	Murton
Cause:	Fall of Stone
Lives Lost:	1

It is with pleasure that I record the number of Edward Medals which H.M. the King has been graciously pleased to bestow on gallant miners in the Division during the year.

The Edward Medal in bronze was also awarded to Joseph Wilson, a master shifter at Murton Colliery, Durham. On the morning of April 19th, two stonemen, named Ralph Chisholm and David Stevenson were engaged building a chock in very faulty ground in the 1st South West District, Five Quarter Seam, Polka Pit, at a point where a stenton had holed to a back drift, when a large fall of loose material suddenly came from one side, discharging the timber and completely burying Chisholm. Stevenson was unable to get clear, his legs being caught by the fall. Joseph Wilson with Thomas Bousfield, who were near at the time, immediately went to the rescue and at great risk Wilson protected Stevenson from falling material by standing over him, whilst Bousfield tried to free his feet. The whole place was moving at the time and further falls were taking place. On Wilson' s instructions Bousfield went for planks to erect a lofting over Stevenson. Wilson remained protecting Stevenson for thirty five minutes before being himself rescued, by which time he was buried knee deep in the debris and was also fast. Stevenson was ultimately got out alive.

Bousfield acted with commendable promptitude and courage and you were pleased to bring his gallant action to the notice of the Carnegie Hero Fund Trustees.

Source:

1929 Mines Inspectors Report

	Chisholm, Ralph, aged 60, Stoneman, killed by a fall of stone
	All names found

11 Feb 1930

Award of Edward Medal (London Gazette)

 

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