Beath Accidents 1915 onwards

This section contains newspaper reports on selected  accidents in this area. Please check the indexes in the Accidents Section for details of Inspector of Mines reports and other accidents covered on the site.

5 February 1915

Cowdenbeath Miner Seriously Injured - James Burns, miner, residing at Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath, met with a serious accident in Mossbeath Pit, Cowdenbeath, yesterday forenoon. He had been engaged placing two empty hutches on the rails in a wheelbrae when he was struck by two loaded vehicles which had unexpectedly broken loose and jammed him against the empty hutches. He sustained a fracture of the skull. He was conveyed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he lies in a precarious condition. [Dunfermline Journal 6 February 1915]

NB. James Burns died of a fractured skull on 5 February 1915 in Dunfermline Cottage Hospital

9 March 1915

Accident At Dalbeath Colliery - While engaged holing in No 2 Pit, Dalbeath Colliery, Hill of Beath, on Tuesday, John Gallacher, miner, residing at Livingstone Place, Crossgates, was struck by a sudden fall of redd from the roof. His right leg was fractured between the knee and the ankle. He was conveyed home and attended to by Dr Nasmyth. [Dunfermline Journal 13 March 1915]

16 March 1915

Miraculous Escape At Lassodie Colliery – David Wallace, oncost worker, residing at 45 Fairfield, Lassodie, had a miraculous escape with his life in No 10 Pit Lassodie Colliery on Tuesday. He was clearing a small fall when a stone weighing two tons descended from the roof. He was jammed against the pavement, but fortunately one end of the stone fell upon the hutch, which kept it two feet from the ground so that his body remained free. Had the stone fully covered the man he must have been crushed to death. As it was he sustained a compound fracture of the left leg. Comrades came to his aid, and had the stone moved off him. He was afterwards conveyed to the Hospital at Dunfermline, where Dr M'Murtrie attended to his injuries. [Dunfermline Journal 20 March 1915]

19 March 1915

Accident To Hanger-On – William Paterson, jun., hanger-on, residing at Normand Place, Upper Oakfield, Kelty, was injured in the pit bottom of the Aitken Pit, Kelty, on Friday. He had been in the act of hanging on hutches which had to descend a short incline, when two or more hutches came forward and jammed his head. He was conveyed to the surface and attended by Dr Keay, who had him removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. The effect of the crush was to fracture the lad's skull. [Dunfermline Journal 20 March 1915]

18 May 1915

Glasgow Man's Terrible Death At Muirbeath - Fergus Ferguson, residing in Glasgow, who was employed by William Glen, building material merchant, Comeley Park Street, Glasgow, to dismantle the pithead frame at Muirbeath Colliery, was killed there on Tuesday. While engaged at the top of the frame, he attached two wire ropes to the legs for the purpose of binding them together. On one of the frames being released both frames collapsed and he was precipitated to the ground, a distance of 50 feet. Death was instantaneous. He was a married man and leaves eight of a family. [Dunfermline Journal 22 May 1915]

19 May 1915

Accident At A Coal Washer - On Wednesday afternoon while in the act of oiling a coal washer at the Aitken Pit, Kelty, David Haldane, washer engineman, residing at 144 Union Street, Cowdenbeath, had his sleeve caught in one of the pinion wheels. His arm was dragged in and badly lacerated and fractured. The machinery was at once stopped. The injured man, who was attended to by Dr Keay, was removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. [Dunfermline Journal 22 May 1915]

15 July 1915

Caught By A Fall of Coal - George Hunter (29) brusher, residing at Hynd Buildings, Lower Oakfield, Kelty and employed on the Lochty section of No 4 Lindsay Pits, was on Thursday caught by a fall of coal from the face. He was knocked to the pavement and his left thigh fractured and badly bruised. After being attended by Dr Keay, he was removed to D. and W. Fife Hospital. [Dunfermline Journal 17 July 1915]

16 July 1915

Accident at No Eleven Pit - John Robertson, who resides at Campbell's Buildings, Main Street, Lumphinnans, was conveyed to the West Fife Hospital on Friday suffering from a fractured left forearm, the result of an accident in No 11 pit. Robertson who was employed as a tail runner was struck by a race of four hutches. [Dunfermline Journal 17 July 1915]

30 July 1915

Cowdenbeath Miner Killed - Thomas Ferguson (60), miner, who resided at 103 Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath, was killed by a fall of stone while engaged at the-coal cutting machines in the diamond seam of No. 9 Pit, Cowdenbeath Colliery, yesterday. He leaves a widow and eight of a family. [Scotsman 31 July 1915]

Thomas Ferguson, Stenhouse St, Cowdenbeath, was instantaneously killed yesterday, by a fall of stone in the diamond seam at No 9 pit Cowdenbeath. He leaves a widow and eight of a family. [Glasgow Herald 31 July 1915]

7 August 1915

KELTY MINER INJURED. While engaged in his duties as roadsman in Aitken Pit, Blyth, John Stevenson, residing in Kelty, had his leg broken and severely crushed. He had been engaged in repairing some of the numerous lines underground when a piece of stone fell from the roof. After being conveyed to the surface his injuries were attended to Dr Moir. [Dundee Courier 7 August 1915]

25 August 1915

Waggon Shunter's Death At Lumphinnans - Shortly after midday on Wednesday John Macniven, waggon shunter, lately residing at Mungall Street, Lumphinnans, was fatally injured while engaged in shunting waggons at No 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery of the Fife Coal Company. He slipped and fell in front of a race of three loaded waggons which passed over his body. Macniven, who was 37 years of age, leaves a widow and three children. [Dunfermline Journal 28 August 1915]

8 September 1915

Kelty Man Killed In Aitken Pit - While at work in the Aitken Pit on Wednesday, Mitchell Collins, haulageman residing at Keltyhill Road, Kelty, met with so serious an accident that he died shortly after being admitted to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. While Collins was awaiting the return of the driver with a full race of hutches the horse had become frightened, and dashed out the road. Collins, in his endeavour to stop the runaway animal, was knocked down, while the race of hutches which were coming down the incline behind the horse passed over his body. Deceased, who was 34 years of age, was of a quiet disposition. He leaves a widow and three children. He was one of the special constables in the Kelty district. [Dunfermline Journal 11 September 1915]

15 October 1915

Cowdenbeath Miner Killed - John Allan miner, Park Street, Cowdenbeath, was instantaneously killed by a large stone falling upon him while he was engaged doing repair work in Foulford Pit, Cowdenbeath colliery, on Friday, night. He was 60 years of age and a widower. [Scotsman 18 October 1915]

Cowdenbeath Miner Killed - John Allan, miner, a widower, 60 years of age, who resided with his daughter in Park Street was accidentally killed while at work in Foulford Pit on Friday night. Allan was struck by a stone crushing him to the “pavement” causing instantaneous death. [Dunfermline Journal 23 October 1915]

Charge Against Fife Colliery Manager - The evidence was concluded yesterday in the mining prosecution at Dunfermline Sheriff Court arising out of an accident at No. 1 Foulford Pit, worked by the Fife Coal Company, Limited, whereby a workman named John Allan was killed by a "fall" of stone from the roof. John Gray, certificated colliery manager, residing at Foulford Road, Cowdenbeath, was charged with having (1) neglected to make secure the roof of a travelling road and working-place in the 14-feet seam of the Leuchatsbeath section of the pit; (2) at two places on said road permitted an interval between the roof bars to exceed the 4-feet maximum prescribed by the propping notice issued by him as manager; and (3) although props and chocks were part of the system used to support the roof at the working face, neglected to have the roof under which the work of getting coal or filling tubs was carried on systematically and adequately supported. The other accused was John Rodger, pit fireman, Berry Street, Lochgelly, and he was charged with having neglected to properly inspect every part of his inspection district, and to ascertain the condition thereof, so far as the roof and general safety were concerned. For the defence, David Archibald, manager of Lassodie Collieries, said he visited Foulford Pit, and found there was an extra good roof. He would have done precisely as the management had done in regard to the propping of the roof. Henry Rowan, managing agent for the Fife Coal Company in the Cowdenbeath district, said he had been in charge of Foulford Pit for nine years. He regarded the measures adopted in the pit as ample for the support of the workings. Chocks could not be used at the spot where the accident happened. The Sheriff reserved judgment. [Dundee Courier - Saturday 25 March 1916]

9 November 1915

Aitken Pit Saw Accident - James Brown 34, a saw miller, residing at Forester's Buildings, Kelty, has been admitted to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital in consequence of an accident which occurred at the Aitken Pit on Tuesday. He was attending a circular saw when his right hand came in contact with the machine and three fingers were severed. [Dunfermline Journal 13 November 1915]

29 November 1915

Fatal Result of Accident In Alice Pit - Mr David Russell, miner, who resided at Natal Place, died on Monday evening in the West Fife Hospital from the result of an accident received nearly a month ago. Russell was employed in the Alice Pit, Fordell Colliery, when he was struck by a fall which caused injuries to his spine, from which he has died. He leaves a widow and one child. [Dunfermline 4 December 1915]

12 January 1916

Kelty – Accident – A pony drier in the Lindsay Pit, Andrew Michie, 15 years of age, who resides with his parents in Millers Buildings Kelty, was caught by a pillar stick while at work on Wednesday, and severely injured in the lower part of the body. After being immediately attended to, Michie was removed to the Dunfermline & West Fife Hospital. [Lochgelly & Kelty News January 18 1916]

3 April 1916

Killed By A Roof Fall - James Paterson (50), machineman, 3 Old Reading Room, Hill of Beath, was killed on Monday afternoon in the Kinglassie seam of No. 2 Pit Dalbeath Colliery. He was engaged putting up wood behind a coal-cutting machine when a heavy took place from the roof. He was covered by the debris, and suffocated. [Dunfermline Journal 8 April 1916]

15 April 1916

Kelty – Pit Accident – While at work in Aitken pit on Saturday morning, Mr Harry Forrester, a pit fireman, had his shoulder dislocated and otherwise injured by a fall of stone from the roof. Harry who has rendered valuable services at the various charity concerts etc during the winter was due to occupy a prominent part in the cantata on Sunday evening. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 18 April 1916]

25 April 1916

Kelty Pit Accident – Cowdenbeath Miner Killed – This morning a fatality occurred at the Aitken Pit, Kelty, whereby Walter Esson, a miner residing in Cowdenbeath lost his life. While engaged in redding up some brushings at the pit, a stone became dislodged and struck him on a vital spot, killing him immediately. Esson was 30 years of age. For a long time he was resident in Kelty previous to his marriage, when he removed to Cowdenbeath. He leaves a widow and one child. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 25 April 1916]

28 April 1916

Kelty – Accident – While at work in Blairenbathie Pit on Friday, George Petrie, residing in Black Road, Kelty, had his head and shoulders severely cut and a thumb badly damaged by a fall of coal from the face. After being attended Petrie, who had only begun working in the colliery that day, was removed home in the ambulance. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 2 May 1916]

23 May 1916

Cowdenbeath – Accident In Pit – William McFadyen, miner, had one of his legs fractured above the ankle in No 10 Pit, Cowdenbeath Colliery on Tuesday. He was engaged in a roadway when there was an unexpected roof fall, which practically buried him. He was conveyed to his residence, after being medically attended to. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 30 May 1916]

17 July 1916

Kelty – Fatal Result of an Accident – Geo. Muir, a fireman in the Lindsay Pit, was caught by a dook rope and severely injured while returning to the pit bottom at the finish of his work. His condition was grave from the first, and he was taken to the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, where he died. How Muir met his accident is a matter f conjecture as no one actually saw it occur. He had working in Kelty some years and took a keen interest in ambulance work. Previous to coming to Kelty he was a member of the Ayrshire Police Force. He leaves a widow and one child for whom much sympathy is expressed. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 25 July 1916]

August 1916

Kelty - Pit Accidents – While at work in Lassodie Pit on Thursday a young man, George Pratt, residing at Chipperkyle, Upper Oakfield, Kelty, had an arm fractured in two places. After being removed home Dr Sanjana attended to his injuries. While at work in Blairenbathie pit on Thursday, Wm. Johnstone, miner, residing at Kelty Hill Road, had a leg fractured through a large piece of coal falling upon him. Johnstone was removed home in the ambulance, where Dr Moir attended his injuries. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 8 August1916]

14 August 1916

Cowdenbeath – Brusher Killed – Yesterday, Andrew Ritchie, a brusher, was accidentally killed in Moss Side Pit, No 1, Cowdenbeath. Ritchie, who was about 32 years of age, had been engaged in firing a shot in the “East Diamond” seam when the charge went off prematurely, killing Ritchie instantaneously. He had been in lodgings at High Street, Cowdenbeath, but belonged to Glasgow district, where his widow and daughter reside. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 15 August1916]

19 August 1916

Fatal Scalding Accident in Fife - James Sneddon (69), residing at 95 Hospital Hill, Dunfermline, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Saturday morning from the effects of an accident he received at No. 12 Pit, Donibristle colliery, on the previous day. While he was cleaning the inside of a boiler there was an unexpected inrush of steam, which caused severe scalding injuries. [Scotsman 21 August 1916]

14 October 1916

Cowdenbeath – Fatal Accident – As a result of an accident at Foulford Pit, John Inglis, joiner, Manse Row, has died in Dunfermline Hospital. He was engaged fixing up a partition in a brick flue, when the brickwork unexpectedly collapsed and partly fell on Inglis. He was injured internally and one of the fingers on his left hand was shattered. But at first serious results were not anticipated and the news of his death came as a surprise. Deceased was a very keen politician, and was secretary of the local Labour Representation Association, and sat for years as a member of the Dunfermline Parish Council. He was about 37 years of age, and was highly respected by a large circle of friends. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 24 October 1916]

FIFE PIT ACCIDENT ENDS FATALLY The death took place in the Dunfermline and West of Fife Hospital yesterday of John Inglis, joiner, Manse Row, Crossgates, following upon injuries which he received at Foulford Colliery, Cowdenbeath, on Saturday. While fixing a wooden partition in a brick flue, part of the brickwork collapsed and fell upon him. He was injured internally, and one the fingers of the left hand was badly lacerated. [Dundee Courier 18 October 1916]

25 October 1916

Cowdenbeath – Miner Killed – On Wednesday night, John Drummond, 18 years of age, who resided with his parents at Rock Cottage, Foulford Road, Cowdenbeath met his death in the Aitken Pit, Kelty, through a fall of stone from the roof. Drummond who went on duty at 5 o'clock had just started work when the accident occurred, the fall burying him and terribly mutilating the body. Drummond was the tallest employee at the Aitken Pit, being 6 feet 3 inches in height. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 31 October 1916]

21 November 1916

Kelty – Miner's Death – Andrew Blair, 31, miner, William Terrace, Lower Oakfield, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital last Tuesday from the effects of an accident which he received in No 2 Pit Lindsay Colliery early on the morning of that day. He was at work in the Jersey section when an unexpected fall of stone from the roof took place. He was seriously injured internally. Blair was married and is survived by a widow and four young children. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 28 November 1916]

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 See also entry on Heroism Awards page

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]

9 February 1917

Pithead Labourer Killed - Thomas Conoboy (58), pithead labourer, 9 Beveridge Place, Lumphinnans, met with serious injuries yesterday from which he died later in the day at Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. Conoboy was engaged on a scaffold or gangway between the pithead and the redd bing of No 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, when as the result of a wire rope slipping a drum and breaking, four hutches ran back and struck him before he could get clear. [Dunfermline Journal 10 February 1917]

12 May 1917

Cowdenbeath Miner Killed - John Mitchell, 9 Union Street, Cowdenbeath, while attending a coal cutting machine in No. 4 Pit, Cowdenbeath colliery , on Saturday morning, was caught by the moving machinery, with the result that his right leg was torn away from the body. He died while being conveyed to the pit bottom. He was 47 years of age, and the support of his widowed mother. This is the third member of the family to lose his life in local mining accidents. [Scotsman 14 May 1917]

15 May 1917

Another Victim of A Coal Burst - While Walter Stuart (37), miner, residing at Main Street, Crossgates, was employed in the James Pit, Donibristle Colliery on Tuesday, a sudden burst of coal took place, burying him beneath it. Stuart was in the act of taking down some clay from the top of the coal when the burst took place. His drawer who was out on the road with a hutch at the time, heard shouts, and at once returned to the face. He had removed the coal from off the head of Stuart, and ultimately got him relieved. Assistance was forthcoming and he was taken to the pithead and conveyed home. He was attended to by Dr Selkirk, Cowdenbeath, who found that he was severely bruised about the body and suffering from internal injuries. [Dunfermline Journal 19 May 1917]

18 May 1917

Fatal Accident At Gordon Pit - James Bonnar, a miner, who resided at Thistle Street, Cowdenbeath, was caught by a fall of coal in the Duddy [illegible] Gordon Pit, Raith Colliery, belonging to the Lochgelly Iron and Coal Co. yesterday. He was injured about the head so severely that he died shortly after the accident. He leaves a wife and ten children. He was a keen angler. [Dunfermline Journal 19 May 1917]

FATAL ACCIDENT IN FIFE PIT. James Bonner, a miner, who resided at Thistle Street, Cowdenbeath, was caught beneath a fall of the "Duddy Davie" seam of the Gordon Pit, Raith Colliery, belonging to the Lochgelly Iron and Coal Company, yesterday. He was injured about the head so severely that he died shortly after the accident. He leaves a widow and ten children. [Dundee Courier 15 May 1917]

21 May 1917

Sudden Death In The Pit – A very tragic affair occurred at Blairadam Colliery on Monday morning when Mr William Philp, Keltyhead, died suddenly shortly after reaching his working place. Death was due to heart failure. Deceased who was over 60 years is survived by a widow and a grown-up family, all of whom are married. [Dunfermline Journal 26 May 1917]

22 May 1917

Wm. Menzies, 145 Union Street, machineman, while following his employment in Foulford Pit, was caught by a fall from the roof on Tuesday. His fellow workmen went for assistance, and with difficulty the stone was removed and Menzies liberated. He was examined by Dr Young, who ordered his removal to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he was found to be suffering from severe injuries to the back and legs. [Dunfermline Journal 26 May 1917]

23 May 1917

James Guthrie, brusher, 291 Broad Street, while at work on Wednesday night in the Gordon Pit, Raith Colliery, was pinned under a fall from the roof. The fall was so heavy that it took a considerable time to extricate him. He was conveyed home and attended to by Dr Primmer, who found him to be suffering from severe bruises on the left arm and on the right shoulder. [Dunfermline Journal 26 May 1917]

16 June 1917

Kelty - Mr John Pryde, one of Kelty's popular bandsmen, was injured by a fall in the Aitken pit on Saturday morning by a fall from the roof, his feet being badly bruised. [Dunfermline Journal 23 June 1917]

16 June 1917

Two Miners In A Blasting Accident - Early on Saturday morning,William Innes (31) stone miner, Church Street, Kingseat, and Thos. Sharp (47), stone miner, West Park Street, Cowdenbeath, were seriously injured by a blasting accident which occurred in No 4 Pit, Lindsay Colliery, Kelty. Shortly after midnight three shots were lit by the fireman. An explosion followed, and it was assumed that all the shots had fired. The two men took their “piece” and returned to their working place. While employed there about 4 o'clock a shot exploded. Innes sustained a compound fracture of the left leg below the knee and of the right forearm. Sharp sustained severe flesh wounds on the breast and both arms. They were attended to by Dr Moir, Kelty, who ordered their removal to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. [Dunfermline Journal 23 June 1917]

26 June 1917

Death In Lumphinnans Colliery - About midday on Tuesday, Andrew Thomson, miner, residing in Main Street, Lumphinnans, was found dead at his working place in No 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, with his head partly blown off. Thomson was working by himself, his drawer being engaged a short distance away. The drawer had not seen him since between eight and nine o'clock in the morning, and missing his presence he went to a neighbour's place to inquire if Thomson had been seen. The other man returned and on going to Thomson's working place they found him as already stated. Thomson who was a married man, was 50 years of age. [Dunfermline Journal 30 June 1917]

11 July 1917

Fatal Accident In Aitken Pit - On Wednesday morning Thomas Todd, a miner, met with a fatal accident in the Aitken Pit of Kelty Colliery. A fall occurred from the roof and Todd was caught in it. The base of his skull was fractured and he died shortly afterwards. Todd, who is 38 years of age, leaves a widow and four children, who reside at Whiteside Road, Townhill, Dunfermline. [Dunfermline Journal 14 July 1917]

13 July 1917

Accident At Aitken Pit - Early on Friday morning while at work in the Aitken Pit, Mr Thomas Cowan, chairman of the local Co-operative Society, had his body badly bruised by being caught with an iron girder. [Dunfermline Journal 14 July 1917]

21 August 1917

Accident At Lassodie Mill - James Fairfield, Kingseat and a lad named Richard Jackson, Miller's Buildings, Kelty, were injured while at work in Lassodie Mill Colliery on Tuesday morning by a fall from the roof. Fairfield was taken home after being attended to by Dr Keay, while the lad, whose condition was more serious, was removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. [Dunfermline Journal 25 August 1917]

27 September 1917

Hill of Beath Boy's Death - The next [Fatal Accident Inquiry at Dunfermline Sheriff Court under Sheriff Umpherston] was concerning the death of Arthur Kingsford, jun, filler, lately residing at Main Street, Hill of Beath, who died on 27th September in No 2 Dalbeath Pit, from injuries received by a quantity of coal falling on him from the face. After evidence had been given by James Graham, colliery manager; Stephen McDonough, fireman; Christopher Simpson, Robert Lockie and Neil Macallum. The Sheriff, in addressing the jury, said the jury would agree that the impression of the whole evidence was that the boy had gone down to the end of the part where he knew there was some coal lying, and put it in the hutch, and that Macallum and Lockie were so keen engineering some method of bringing down the coal that they failed to notice what Kingsfor was doing. He thought that the jusy would be justified, without imputing any blame for the boy's death - which one did not want to do upon any individual - to make a verdict in general terms which might be useful in avoiding a similar case. He suggested that the jury add to their formal part of their verdict “That we are of opinion that the men with whom Kingsford was employed assisting should have made certain when engaged in bringing down the length of coal from the face, that the boy under their charge was out of danger from the face coal.” The jury concurred. [Dunfermline Journal 3 November 1917]

1 November 1917

Miner's Leg Broken - Peter Cook, hanger-on, son of Mrs James Cook, Church Street, while at work in No 2 Pit, Mossbeath Colliery, on Thursday, had his left leg broken below the knee by a runaway hutch. He was conveyed to his home in the ambulance waggon. [Dunfermline Journal 3 November 1917]

1 November 1917

Kelty Miner Crushed – On Thursday Charles Robert Laming (36) miner, Erskine Place, Main Street, Kelty, was severely crushed in his working place in the Aitken Pit. A large stone weighing about half a cwt fell on him from the roof, pinning him to the pavement. He was conveyed to the pithead where Dr Benjamin [?] examined him. Thereafter he was taken to his home. [Dunfermline Journal 3 November 1917]

11 January 1918

Colin Maxwell (58), miner, 372 Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, was killed by a fall of stone in Foulford Pit. [Scotsman 11 January 1918]

Colin Maxwell (58), miner, who resided at 372 Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, was killed yesterday in Foulford Pit, Cowdenbeath, by a fall of stone. He is survived by a widow and grown-up family. [Dundee Courier 11 January 1918]

6 February 1918

A waggon repairer named John Paterson (63) Arthur Street, Cowdenbeath, was killed at the Raith colliery sidings by being run over by waggons. [Scotsman 7 February 1918]

25 October 1918

Cowdenbeath Miner Killed At Donibristle Colliery - Andrew Lamb, miner, residing at Arthur Place, Cowdenbeath, was instantaneously killed in the Marion Pit, Donibristle Colliery, belonging to the Fife Coal Company yesterday by a stone falling from the roof and rushing his head. Another miner Frank M'Kenna, who resides at Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, was badly bruised about the back. Lamb leaves a widow and family. [Dundee Courier 26 October 1918]

15 November 1918

Fatal Pit Accident - John Burt, 22 years of age, employed at Donibristle was killed yesterday by a fall of a mass of material from the roof. The deceased, who lived in Cowdenbeath, was well known in the district, and held in high respect. He has left a widow and eight of a family. [Dunfermline Journal 16 November 1918]

14 December 1918

Cowdenbeath - Accidents - John Fraser (18), hanger-on on No 10 Marshall Street, had his left leg badly lacerated by being caught in the haulage rope at the Dora Pit. He was conveyed to the West Fife Hospital. James Moodie (26), discharged soldier, miner, residing at 28 Broad Street, was severely crushed about the body while following his employment in No 1 Pit, Lumphinnans. He was conveyed in the ambulance to the West Fife Hospital. [Dunfermline Journal 14 December 1918]

15 February 1919

Accident In the Pit - David Holmes, repairer, Sligo Street, Lumphinnans, has been admitted to the West Fife Hospital suffering from severe internal injuries the result of a pit accident. [Dunfermline Journal 15 February 1919]

21 February 1919

Lad Killed At The Aitken Pit - On Friday morning James Drack Robertson, 18 years, son of Elizabeth Drack Robertson, widow, Stewart's Buildings, Main Street, Kelty, was killed instantaneously. He was engaged repairing a coal washer at the Aitken Pit, Kelty, when the wooden structure, used in connection with the repair of breakages, suddenly collapsed, bringing with it a piece of the building. Robertson was struck by the falling material and his skull fractured. [Dunfermline Journal 22 February 1919]

19 May 1919

Fatal Accident At The Aitken Pit - John Elliot, miner, lately residing at Chalmers Street, Dunfermline, met with a serious accident between four and five o'clock on Monday while at work in the west dook of the Aitken Pit. It would appear that Elliot was assisting with a race of hutches which was being driven up the dook. The hutches were stopped, and after being started again ran back, with the result that he was jammed. He was at once relieved and taken to the pithead where he was examined by Dr Kay. He was afterwards removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he died shortly after admission. [Dunfermline Journal 24 May 1919]

6 June 1919

Disastrous Fife Colliery Fire - £40,000 Damages - 500 Miners Idle - Damage estimated at £40,000 was caused by fire at the Lindsay Collieries, Kelty, belonging to the Fife Coal Company, last night The fire originated in the engine-house of the screening plant, and spread quickly over the whole woodwork of the two shafts comprising the colliery, destroying all the surface structures and winding apparatus. There was a shift of men to the number of 150 employed underground. Those in the lower seam had, fortunately, an outlet at Aitken Pit, half-a-mile away, and they were brought out safely by six o'clock. Great anxiety was, however, felt for the safety of four men who were engaged in opening the upper seam. There was no outlet for them unless by way of the shaft, which passage had been closed by the destruction of the winding apparatus. When the fire began to subside a number of workmen started to improvise machinery for getting them up. A winch was fitted up and a kettle was lowered, by which the men were drawn to the surface. There was great cheering from thousands of persons who had gathered at the colliery as the men appeared. The four men who had such a trying experience were Robert Moodie and his two sons, John and David, residing at Lord Street, Kirkcaldy, and Edward Skelding, Foulford Road, Kirkcaldy. Mr Augustus Carlow, managing director, Fife Coal Company, and Messrs H. Rowan and Charles C. Reid, agents of the company, superintended the rescue operations. Cowdenbeath and Dunfermline Fire Brigades were on the scene, and lent effective assistance. Between 400 and 500 are thrown out of work. [Scotsman 7 June 1919]

21 June 1919

FATAL ACCIDENT AT COWDENBEATH COLLIERY. A sad mining accident took place at Mossbeath Colliery, Cowdenbeath, on Saturday, resulting in the death of Peter Orr, 17 years of age, son of Thomas Orr, 85 Moss Side Road, Cowdenbeath. The boy was working with his father filling at the "face," when a stone fell from the roof, killing him instantaneously. [Dundee Courier - Monday 23 June 1919]

12 July 1919

Kelty - Pit Accident - While at work on Saturday in No 11 Pit, Lumphinnans, Robert Cowan, Seefar House, Kelty, had his leg broken between the knee and the ankle, through a stone falling from the roof. He was conveyed to his house in the ambulance where he was medically attended. [Dunfermline Journal 19 July 1919]

2 September 1919

Workmen's Compensation - House of Lords and Breach of Rules - Court of Session Decisions Reversed - The House of Lords yesterday reversed the judgement of the First Division of the Court of Session in three appeals arising out of the Workmen's Compensation Act which raised the question, whether or not a workman who did something in breach of prohibitions took himself outside of the sphere of his employment.

In one case the Fife Coal Co. (Ltd.) appealed against an award by Sheriff-Substitute Umpherston in favour of the widow and children of John Colville, stone miner, 33 James Street, Dunfermline. The deceased, who was employed at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, retired to a place of safety after charging and stemming a shot hole in the sandstone face of the working place. Only one of two shots went off, and after waiting a few minutes Colville, with another workman, returned to the face, and while they were groping in the debris for Colville's strum, his shot went off, and he was killed. The House of Lords yesterday allowed the appeal of the employers in all three cases. [Scotsman 18 December 1920]

3 October 1919

Fatality at Kelty – William Hunter, colliery shunter, who resided at Lindsay Row, Kelty, was instantaneously killed yesterday at the Aitken Pit, Kelty, by being crushed between a waggon and a pithead support. [Scotsman 4 October 1919]

5 January 1920

Cowdenbeath Girl Injured At Pithead - Janet Marshall, sixteen years of age, pithead worker, who resides at Arthur's Place, Cowdenbeath, has been badly injured at No. 12 Pit, Donibristle Colliery, Cowdenbeath. The girl was at her employment, when her right foot slipped between two pinion wheels of a "creeper." Luckily the chain which drives the wheels broke with the strain, or the accident would have been more serious. As it was, her foot was so badly smashed that she had to be removed to the West Fife Hospital, where three of her toes were amputated. [Dundee Courier 5 January 1920]

14 February 1920

Accident At Lindsay Pit - Last Friday afternoon, while the engineers were working at the Lindsay pithead, one of their number had a lucky escape from serious injury. Working on a scaffold thirty feet high, Mr J. Young overbalanced himself and fell to the ground. On being conveyed home to his lodgings in Station Road by the ambulance waggon, he was examined by Dr Keay, who found that the worst of his injuries were confined to his arm and hand, along with shock. [Dunfermline Journal 21 February 1920]

19 February 1920

Fatality At Gordon Pit - George Park, pit-head worker, 33 years of age, lately residing at Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, met with a fatal accident shortly after 8pm on Thursday evening at the Gordon Pit. Deceased had been employed at the coal washing machine and it is surmised he had come down, either to get something for the machine or to see someone, when he was accidentally knocked down by an engine and waggon engaged in shunting operations. Severely injured about the legs and body, he was at once attended to by Dr Selkirk, and afterwards conveyed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he died the same night. Deceased, who saw military service and was a recipient of the Military Medal, is survived by a widow and two of a family. A sad feature of the fatality is the fact that deceased's father and brother both met their deaths while employed at a colliery. [Dunfermline Journal 21 February 1920]

NB John Park, George's father died March 12 1902 and his brother Robert died February 13 1908.

26 May 1920

Colliery Accident - While engaged as a brusher in Lassodie Colliery on Wednesday morning, William Shoolbred met his death through a large fall of stone from the roof. When the fall took place Shoolbred's companion ran for assistance, but while he was away another fall took place, and on the arrival of the relief party the unfortunate man was beyond help. He was about 40 years old and leaves a widow and young family. Deceased was well known throughout the district as a keen horticulturist and the mainstay of the local Angling club. [Dunfermline Journal 29 May 1920]

Kelty- Funeral of Mr William Shoolbred - A large number of the brothers of Lodge Oak No 877 Kelty turned out on Saturday to pay their last respects to Bro. Wm. Shoolbred who was accidentally killed while at work last Wednesday morning. Bro. James Harrower R.W.M., carried through the funeral service at the grave. [Dunfermline Journal 5 June 1920]

27 May 1920

Hill Of Beath Miner Killed - Daniel Kean (38), lately residing at 17 Old Square, Hill of Beath, met with a fatal accident about 9.30am on Thursday in the Kinglassie seam of No 2 Pit, Dalbeath Colliery, by a stone falling from the roof on top of him. [Dunfermline Journal 29 May 1920]

3 June 1920

Accident To Dean of Guild Hogg - Dean of Guild John Hogg, Cowdenbeath, met with an accident on Thursday while at work in No 1 Pit, Lumphinnans. The Councillor was in the act of sawing a pit prop when a piece of coal fell on the prop and crushed his leg so severely that he had to be conveyed home in the ambulance waggon. Mr Hogg is a well known prohibitionist and was to have presided that night at a temperance meeting. [Dunfermline Journal 5 June 1920]

20 & 21 June 1920

Cowdenbeath Pit Accidents - Two fatal accidents have occurred in the Cowdenbeath District. Thomas Cowan, 45, who resided at Mid Row, Hill of Beath, was killed by a fall of stone in Dalbeath Pit, and Robert Walkinshaw, Church Row, Kelty met his death in a like manner at Blairenbathie Pit, Kelty. Cowan leaves a widow and eight of a family, and Walkinshaw a widow and three children. [Scotsman 23 June 1920]

Fatal Accident Inquiry At Kinross - A fatal accident inquiry was held in the court room on Wednesday into the circumstances attending the death of Robert Walkinshaw, miner, lately residing at Church Street, Kelty, who was killed by the sudden fall of a large stone while he was at work. A formal verdict returned. [Dunfermline Journal 24 July 1920]

1 July 1920

The last [fatal accident inquiry at Dunfermline Sheriff Court] was into the circumstances of the death of Charles McHale, miner, lately residing at 5 Inglis Street, Dunfermline, who died on 1st July in Blairadam Pit, Kelty, from injuries received by a stone falling on him from the roof. A formal verdict was returned. [Dunfermline Journal 10 July 1920]

12 July 1920

Accidents At Blairenbathie Colliery - Mungo Allan, residing at Adam's Terrace, Kelty, had a bad injury to his hand on Monday morning. He was just commencing his work, and was recovering a prop from a piece of coal when his foot slipped. Before he could steady himself the coal jammed his hand on the pavement. It was found necessary to put five stitches in the wound. Another accident occurred at Blairenbathie Colliery on Monday afternoon, when George Lowe received severe bruises to his back and head, by a fall of stone from the roof. On being removed to his house in the ambulance waggon and medically examined he was found to be suffering from the injury to his back, while his ear had to be stitched. [Dunfermline Journal 17 July 1920]

14 July 1920

Crushed Between Waggons - Thomas Forrest (45) waggon shunter, 34 Main Street, Lumphinnans, was severely injured by being crushed between two waggons on Wednesday at the siding at No 1 Pit of Lumphinnans Colliery. He succumbed shortly after being admitted to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. [Dunfermline Journal 17 July 1920]

17 July 1920

Crossgates - Mr Walter Smart, Main Street, Crossgates, who met with an accident in Donibristle Colliery by the roof coming away on top of him, is now making progress in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, and the injuries, although serious, are not of such a nature as was at first considered. [Dunfermline Journal 17 July 1920]

29 July 1920

Scalding Fatality – About 10pm on Monday evening a man named Wm Thomson, whose address is as yet unknown, received severe scalding injuries through falling into a pool of boiling water at No 11 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery. The man was removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he died on Thursday evening. [Dunfermline Journal 31 July 1920]

3 August 1920

Thomas Hope, sawmiller, residing at Mossgreen, Crossgates while working at the Central Sawmill, Hill of Beath Colliery, on Tuesday, had his left hand lacerated by a circular saw. [Dunfermline Journal 7 August 1920]

10 October 1920

Accident At Dalbeath - Mr Wm. Dall, Brand's Row, Crossgates, met with a nasty accident when travelling underground from his work in No 2 Dalbeath Pit, Fife Coal Co. A projecting piece of timber caught him under the eye which was badly damaged. [Dunfermline Journal 10 October 1920]

23 November 1920

Man Killed In Cowdenbeath Pit - James Smith pit repairer, who resided with his parents at Fernbank, Kelty, was fatally injured in Kirkford Pit, Cowdenbeath, yesterday. He had been at work making a haulage room in the No. 2 coal dook when a large stone breaking away from the side fell upon him. He died a few minutes after the accident. [Scotsman 24 November 1920]

3 December 1920

Hill of Beath - Alexander Hutchison, Hill of Beath, met with a slight mishap to one of his hands at Dalbeath Colliery on Friday last week. [Dunfermline Journal 4 December 1920]

22 December 1920

While at work in the Aitken Pit, Thos. Farry, residing in Cantsdam, Kelty, was fatally injured through being caught by a rope which had rebounded off a pulley wheel, and which hit him across the stomach. The unfortunate man was removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he passed away after much suffering. Farry, who was 26 years of age, leaves a widow and three young children. [Dunfermline Journal 1 January 1921]

24 December 1920

Fatal Pit Accidents At Cowdenbeath - Two men have lost their lives at pits in the Cowdenbeath district. Thomas Forbes, 38 years of age, a shunter, who resided at 159 Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, was killed instantaneously by being crushed beneath a waggon which had overturned during shunting operations at the Gordon Pit, Raith Colliery, and George Chapman, miner, 26 years of age, who resided at 16 South Street, Cowdenbeath, lost his life while working at the face in the five feet seam of Kirkford Pit, Cowdenbeath , by being crushed beneath, a "fall." Chapman leaves a widow and three of a family. [Scotsman 27 December 1920]

In No 10 Pit, Kirkford Colliery, Cowdenbeath, Geo Chapman (25) was killed by a fall from the roof. He had been engaged in the five foot seam when a large stone crushed him to the pavement and when released he was found to have been killed instantaneously. He leaves a widow and three children, who reside in South Street, Cowdenbeath.

At the Gordon Pit, Cowdenbeath, Thos. Forbes (39) pit shunter, met an untimely death. Forbes, who resided at 159 Bridge Street, Cowdenbeath, is supposed to have been sitting on an empty waggon when it was run into accidentally by several loaded waggons. Forbes was thrown to the ground and an overturned waggon fell upon him, causing instantaneous death. [Dunfermline Journal 1 January 1921]

19 February 1921

Fatality At Cowdenbeath - Alexander Walls, a surfaceman who resided at Landale Terrace, Cowdenbeath, met with his death under distressing circumstances on Saturday. About 715am he was engaged in pushing a waggon at the sidings of the Gordon Pit, when another unexpectedly came up from behind. Walls was caught and crushed between the buffers of the two waggons and was killed almost instantaneously. [Dunfermline Journal 26 February 1921]

23 February 1921

Donibristle - Accident At James Pit - An alarming accident happened in Donibristle colliery (James Pit) on Wednesday morning. Owing to a misunderstanding and empty hutch fell down the shaft, causing considerable damage and putting the pit idle. One of the pit bottomers named Mitchell got two of his fingers taken off by the debris. [Dunfermline Journal 26 February 1921]

25 March 1921

Son Killed and Father Injured in a Kelty Pit – Robert Rodger, 15 years of age, residing at 83 Nasmyth Place, Kelty, lost his life in the Aitken Pit, Kelty, as the result of a roof support giving way. His father David Rodger, in the same accident, had his left leg fractured below the knee. [Scotsman 26 March 1921]

NB Robert Rodger's brother was injured in the Aitken on 5 September 1921

23 July 1921

Fireman killed In A Cowdenbeath Pit - Robert Innes colliery fireman, Broad Street, Cowdenbeath was killed by a fall of stone in No.2 Pit, Mossbeath colliery, Cowdenbeath; on Saturday. [Scotsman 25 July 1921]

Cowdenbeath - Fatal Accident - While engaged in supporting a pillar which was giving way in Mossbeath Colliery, No 2 Pit, Robert Innes, 296 Bridge Street, Cowdenbeath, was killed instantaneously on Saturday morning by a fall of several tons of material from the roof. Innes leaves a widow and three children. This is the first fatal accident to occur in the Cowdenbeath pits since the resumption of work. [Dunfermline Journal 30 July 1921]

3 August 1921

Kelty Miner Killed -Brick Building Collapses - James Campbell (34), a miner lately residing at 1 Railway Row, North End, Kelty, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Wednesday morning, as a result of injuries which he sustained while at work the previous day. Along with other workmen he was engaged in taking down a brick building at the Lindsay pit, Kelty, when part of the wall collapsed unexpectedly and fell upon Campbell. He sustained injuries to the head and body, and after being attended to by Dr Moir, he was removed to hospital where he succumbed the following morning at 2.30am. [Dunfermline Journal 6 August 1921]

12 August 1921

Peculiar Fatality - An accident which resulted fatally occurred in the Aitken Pit, Kelty. Samuel M'Gee (21), a brusher, along with his father, had finished preparing a shot, and retired a safe distance until the shot firer attached the cable, when a piece from the shot struck Samuel with great force, rendering him unconscious. He was removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital where he died the same evening. [Dunfermline Journal 20 August 1921]

NB Samuel McGhee died 12 August 1921

18 August 1921

Runaway Pony In Fife Pit - Under-manager Seriously Injured - Mr John Hunter (57) well known as an under-manager at Lumphinnans, lies in the West Fife Hospital in a serious condition, the result of an accident in No 11 Pit on Monday. Hunter was at work in the East Lochgelly section when a pony ran away attached to hutches. The driver followed in the direction the pony had gone when he came across Mr Hunter lying injured. He was taken home when it was found advisable to remove him at once to the hospital. Four of his ribs are fractured, while his chest is badly crushed, and he has sustained injuries to his head and one of his arms. [Dunfermline Journal 13 August 1921]

NB John Hunter died 18 August 1921 in West Fife Hospital, Dunfermline.

20 August 1921

A young miner named Robert Gray, Mungall Street, Lumphinnans, suffered a compound fracture of one of his legs while employed in No 7 Pit, Cowdenbeath Colliery. He was removed to West Fife Hospital. [Dunfermline Journal 20 August 1921]

5 September 1921

Accident At Kelty - While at work in the Aitken Pit on Monday, David Rodger, residing with his parents at Nasmyth Place, Kelty, was severely injured by a shot going off before he had reached a place of safety. The unfortunate lad was slightly injured about 5 months ago, when the father had his leg broken and otherwise injured, while a younger brother lost his life. Rodger was removed to Dunfermline Hospital, where he is making satisfactory progress. [Dunfermline Journal 10 September 1921]

NB David Rodger's brother Robert was killed on 25 March 1921 in the Aitken Pit.

10 September 1921

Accident at Cowdenbeath - Wm. Kirk, 53, who resided in Dunfermline, died in the Dunfermline ,and West Fife Hospital on Saturday from injuries to the head sustained, through being caught beneath a fall from the roof of the splint section, Lochhead Pit, Raith Colliery, Cowdenbeath, the previous day. [Scotsman 12 September 1921]

Fatal Accident At Lochhead Pit - William Kirk, a miner residing at Dunfermline and employed at Lochhead Pit of the Lochgelly Coal Company, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital last Saturday morning as the result of an accident at Lochhead Pit. Kirk was struck by a fall from the roof. [Dunfermline Journal 17 September 1921]

13 September 1921

Mining Accident At Kelty - “Yankee Shots” Explode - A very serious accident occurred in Blairenbathie Colliery on Tuesday in the main coal seam. A young man named Smith, who was working along with his brother, was the victim. It is customary in this seam to fire “Yankee shots” at night for the next days work, and apparently one of the shots had mis-fired. Smith, who was holing, had evidently struck this shot with his pick, receiving the debris mostly about the face. He was conveyed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where efforts are being made to preserve the sight of his eyes. Luckily his brother escaped with a slight bruise on the arm. [Dunfermline Journal 17 September 1921]

11 October 1921

Fatal Accident In Fife Pit - David M'Intyre Drysdale, pithead worker, 26, School Wynd, Kinross, was instantaneously killed at the Aitken Pit, Kelty, yesterday by being accidentally crushed between the cage, and the side of the shaft. [Scotsman 12 October 1921]

25 November 1921

Pit Accidents - William Ritchie, Kelty, Hill Road, miner employed at the Aitken Pit, Kelty, was seriously injured about the face last Friday. A shot went off unexpectedly while he was working. He was removed to the West Fife Hospital, Dunfermline. On Monday morning, while at work in No 9 Pit, Cowdenbeath, in the Swallowdrum seam, George Dick, who resides at 47 Chapel Street, was injured by a fall of coal. His nose was fractured and one eye injured, while he received other severe bruises. He was removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. [Dunfermline Journal 3 December 1921]

26 November 1921

Fatal Accident in Fife Colliery - Robert Anderson, (20), shunter, who resided at 32 Park Street, Cowdenbeath lost his life at Donibristle colliery, Fife, through being run over by a number of waggons. [Scotsman 28 November 1921]

Fatal Accident in Fife Pit - Cowdenbeath Man's Death - Robert Anderson, a shunter in the employ of the Fife Coal Company, lost his life as the result of an accident at Donibristle Colliery last week. Anderson, who was about 20 years of age and resided at 32 Park Street, Cowdenbeath, was riding on the foremost waggon of a train when the waggon fouled the points and he was thrown on to the rails, several trucks passing over his body. Death was almost instantaneous. An accident of a similar nature, but with less severe result, has occurred at Kirkford Colliery last week, when Thomas McBride was precipitated from a waggon and was run over. He now lies in a critical condition in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. The mishap was caused by a prop being placed on the line, presumably the mischievous prank of a schoolboy. [Dunfermline Journal 3 December 1921]

2 December 1921

Colliery Accident At Kelty - An accident occurred at Blairadam Colliery last Friday whereby a man named James Crichton, residing in Kinross, had his leg broken by the breaking of a wheel tree while he was running a hutch. He was conveyed home in the ambulance waggon where he was medically attended. [Dunfermline Journal 10 December 1921]

17 May 1922

Miner Killed at Cowdenbeath - Peter Hogg who resided at Back Row, Crossgates, was accidentally killed early yesterday morning in the little splint seam of No. 1 pit, Mossbeath Colliery Cowdenbeath. He was caught and crushed by a coal-cutting machine. Hogg was a married man. [Scotsman 18 May 1922]

3 July 1922

Fife Miner's Death – Bacillus Theory - Some uncertainty as to the cause of a Fife miners death was disclosed in a Fatal accident Inquiry which was held at Dunfermline yesterday. Deceased was Thomas Honeyman Paterson lately residing at Foulford Road, Cowdenbeath, who was stated to have died at his residence on 3rd July in consequence of an injury received on the same day in No . 10 Pit, Cowdenbeath; by falling against an empty hutch which was ascending an incline. Several witnesses, including the widow, spoke to having seen marks of bruising on deceased's left side, the colliery manager pointing out that, before he left the pit to go home, deceased himself seemed to make light of the accident which he said he had received. The testimony of Dr George Robertson, Dunfermline , who was present at a post-mortem examination on the day after the death, was to the effect that no evidence whatever was disclosed of bruising in the vicinity of the chest. In his view the cause of death was a microbic infection, known as bacillus capsulatus aerogenes, the bacillus which was responsible for a large number of cases of gas gangrene in the Army. In these cases the bacillus usually entered by a wound in the skin, conveyed from the soil. He admitted however, that the bacillus could enter the body through a small abrasion of the mucous membranes and by the alimentary system, although the latter was less likely. He did not think that dirty pit water would generate the bacillus. In the Army such areas as Flanders were very much more productive of gas gangrene than the dry soil of the Somme, but beyond knowing that the bacillus had its habitat in swampy, wet ground, the medical profession did not know why it should be in the one place or the other. In this case he did not think that the alleged accident had anything to do with the man's death. Questioned by an expert for the representatives of the deceased, Dr Robertson said that the infection might have taken place not more than twenty-four hours prior to the man's death. Asked to explain how witnesses had said they saw deceased falling against the hutch, the witness replied that the probability was that deceased felt faint, and that he leaned rather heavily on the tub although he questioned very much if the man fell against the tub and injured himself. This was the first case of bacillus capsulatus aerogenes he had seen outside an Army wound. It certainly could not be a very common bacillus in a mine. Indeed, he had never known of a wound in a mine developing gas gangrene, and he did not think the bacillus had its habitat in mines. The jury returned a formal verdict, Sheriff Umpherston remarking that the cause of death would in all probability be ascertained in another Court. [Scotsman 8 August 1922]

3 October 1922

Machineman Killed in a Cowdenbeath Pit - John Hannah, coal-cutting machineman , who resided at Sylvania Terrace, Perth Road, Cowdenbeath, lost his life in Foulford Pit, Cowdenbeath colliery, early yesterday morning, through a heavy stone from the roof falling upon him. He leaves a widow and three of a family. [Scotsman 4 October 1922]

28 March 1923

Lumphinnans Under-Manager's Sudden Death - A tragic incident took place in No 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Wednesday, when Mr Alex. C. Martin, under-manager of the colliery died suddenly. Mr Martin, who was at the pit bottom talking to an oversman, was suddenly taken ill, and, collapsing in the arms of the oversman, expired from what is supposed to be heart failure. He leaves a widow and family, who reside at Bridge Cottage, Lumphinnans. [Dunfermline Journal 31 March 1923]

19 May 1923

Miner Fatally Injured at Cowdenbeath.—John Hainey (30), who resided at 30 Broad Street. Cowdenbeath, was buried beneath a fall of coal and stone in No. 7 Pit, Cowdenbeath on Saturday, and, being seriously injured internally, he died on his way to hospital He leaves a widow and three of a family. [Scotsman 21 May 1923]

9 August 1923

Fatal accident in the Kelty pit - A miner named Thomas Meechan who resided at Miller's building, Oakfield Street, Kelty, was killed yesterday by being crushed beneath a fall of stone in Lassodie Mill pit, Kelty, belonging to the Fife Coal Company. James Marshall, Kinross, who was working beside him, also sustained injuries, and he was removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.[Scotsman 10th August 1923]

August 1923

Mining Accident - While Walter West (23), busher, Benarty View, Kelty, was at work in Lassodie Mill Colliery, he was struck by a large stone which fell from the roof, and crushing him to the “pavement,” killed him instantaneously. [Dunfermline Journal 11 August 1923]

19 November 1923

Brusher Killed in a Fife Pit - Peter M'Gonegal (27), who resided at 18 Main Street, Hill of Beath, son of a widow who lives at Carron Shore, was killed in Dalbeath pit, belonging to the Fife Coal Co., yesterday. He was employed as a brusher, and with other workers, had lit two shots. One went off, and, thinking the other had not been lit, he went forward to see, with the result that it went off, causing instantaneous death. [Scotsman 20 November 1923]

26 December 1923

Serious Accident At Gordon Pit - William Dow, miner, Perth Road, Cowdenbeath, was seriously injured in the Gordon Pit, Cowdenbeath on Wednesday. Dow was on a wheel brae when the chain broke, and before he could get into a manhole he was caught by two runaway hutches. Two of his ribs were fractured while he received injuries to one of his shoulders. [Dunfermline Journal 29 December 1923]

27 December 1923

Boy Killed At Kelty - Stone Fall From Pit Roof - An accident to a boy is always a sad incident but coming just on the time of a holiday it is even more so. This was the case on Thursday, when it became known in Kirkford, Cowdenbeath, that William Shepherd Duncan, the fifteen year old son of William Duncan, 9 Pit Row, Cowdenbeath, had lost his life. The lad was employed in the Lassodie Mill Colliery, Kelty, when he was struck by a fall of stone from the face and killed instantaneously. [Dunfermline Journal 29 December 1923]

26 February 1924

Blairenbathie Pit Fatality - A Mysterious Explosion - As the result of injuries he received while at work in Blairenbathie Pit near Kelty on Monday, John Johnson (39), stone miner, lately residing at Adam's terrace Kelty, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital the following day. Johnson who had worked in the Kelty district for almost six months, is survived by a widow and daughter who reside at Loanhead. It appears that the unfortunate man had commenced along with another workman to open a roadway in the pit and he was engaged in cutting through the whinstone when the accident occurred. Holes had been drilled ready for blasting and it is believed that Johnson was either charging the shot or stemming it. John Boyd, Keltyhill, who was a short distance away, heard a terrible explosion and his lamp was blown out. On relighting his lamp he saw Johnson lurching towards the face covered with blood. The injured man was immediately conveyed to hospital but little hope was entertained for his recovery. [Dunfermline Journal 1 March 1924]

28 February 1924

Pitheadman's Awful Death - Caught in Engine - Death has removed another well-known inhabitant of Cowdenbeath in Robert Hunter, who met a shocking death while at work at the James Pit, Donibristle Colliery, belonging to the Fife Coal Company. Hunter, who was idle for several weeks, commenced recently as a pitheadman at the James Pit. On Thursday the power for the jigsaw engines was suddenly cut off, and being about one o'clock, Hunter thought it was “lousing” time and he commenced to do some work on the jiggers. He was standing on the screens when the power was again switched on and he was thrown amongst the machinery, meeting a terrible death before the machinery could be brought to a standstill. Bob was a familiar figure in Cowdenbeath, being born in the place 57 years ago, and has never left it. For some years he was a member of the old Fife Militia and during the whole of the history of Cowdenbeath Football Club he had been an ardent supporter, his words of encouragement being audible at Central Park. He leaves a widow and a grown-up family. [Dunfermline Journal 1 March 1924]

17 April 1924

Fatal Accident In A Cowdenbeath Pit - Robert Curran, Main Street, Lumphinnans, was electrocuted while working at the coal cutters in the Little Splint Dook of No 7 Pit Cowdenbeath, yesterday morning. He was 32 years of age and leaves a widow and family. [Scotsman 18 April 1924]

12 July 1924

Cowdenbeath Miner’s Death – Follows Accident In Pit – Wm. Kelly, miner, 25 years of age, who resided with his father in Park Street, Cowdenbeath, has died in West fife Hospital. Kelly was crushed in an accident in No 10 Pit Cowdenbeath, belonging to Fife Coal Company, about a month ago, and at the time it was thought that the accident was not of a serious nature. His injuries could not be ascertained, and he was removed to the hospital, where septic poisoning set in as the result of internal injuries, and he has passed away. [Dunfermline Journal 19 July 1924]

7 August 1924

Cowdenbeath Miner Killed - Richard Smith, miner, 62, who resided at 23 Rose Street, Cowdenbeath , was killed by a fail of stone in the Diamond Seam of No. 7 pit, Cowdenbeath, last night. [Scotsman 8 August 1924]

20 September 1924

Fife pit fatality - Andrew Dobbie (54), residing at 26 Fairfield, Lassodie, was instantaneously killed in No. 10 pit, Lassodie Colliery, near Dunfermline, on Saturday. He was engaged in the Swallodrum seam, when a heavy roof fall took place, under which he was completely buried [Scotsman 22 September 1924]

20 December 1924

Kelty Boy's Death – Killed By Fall of Stone - Mr Thomas Bauld, who was formerly a manager of one of the Kelty Collieries, has lost his eldest son, Robert, as the result of an accident in the Aitken Pit, Kelty. A small piece of stone fell on the young lad, inflicting a slight cut on his arm, but septic poisoning set in, and the lad has passed away. Robert was 18 years of age, and only entered the mines recently. He was a Dunfermline High School pupil, and a member until recently of the 1st school rugby team. [Dunfermline Journal 27 December 1924]

24 December 1924

Fatality At Lumphinnans – James M'Connell, 17, son of James M'Connell, 13 Livingstone Place, Lumphinnans, has died as the result of an accident in No 1 Pit, Lumphinnans. The lad who was employed as an onsetter at the pithead, had placed hutches on the cage when other hutches, missing the clutch struck him from behind. When the cage commenced to descend, he was pushed forward and caught by the safety gate. He was extricated with difficulty and removed home, but died on Christmas Eve. A sister of his was in the vicinity when the accident occurred. [Dunfermline Journal 27 December 1924]

30 December 1924

Kelty Miner's Death – Result of Accident in Pit – Another mining fatality has taken place in West Fife, the victim being Archibald M'Gill, 40, a miner residing at 24 Nasmyth Place, Kelty. M'Gill was at work in the Beath “Dook Section” of the Aitken pit on Friday night when he was injured. He was removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he died on Tuesday morning. [Dunfermline Journal 3 January 1925]

20 January 1925

Fatal Accident In Aitken Pit – Fall of Coal Strikes Miner – On Tuesday night while John Cowan 149 Waverley Cottages Lochore was at his usual employment in Aitken Pit, Kelty, he received fatal injuries from a fall from the roof. Cowan's head was terribly bruised. He leaves a widow and two children, for whom much sympathy is felt. [Dunfermline Journal 24 January 1925]

2 February 1925

Fife Pit Accidents – Two Killed; Three Injured – A Heavy Fall - Kirkford Pit, a Cowdenbeath colliery, was the scene of two accidents yesterday afternoon, the second of which resulted in two men being killed.

The first, accident occurred in the afternoon in the "diamond " section, when John Easson, Foulford Place, Cowdenbeath, and David Clark, Chapel Street, Cowdenbeath, were burned, through an explosion of gunpowder. Easson was able to proceed home, but Clark was conveyed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

Immediately afterwards the other accident was reported from the "glassee" section. Three miners, William M'Arthur (17). son of Archibald M'Arthur, Foulford road; Robert Sharp (36), single, son of Mrs Sharp, a widow, Foulford Road; and Peter Anderson, 20 Foulford Place, had been resting at the end of the roadway, when, without warning, a heavy fall of material took place. Anderson was caught by the tail end of it and escaped serious injury, but M'Arthur and Sharp were completely buried in the debris, and death in both cases must have been instantaneous. [The Scotsman 3 February 1925]

11 February 1925

Lumphinnans Miner Killed – Body Found At Pit Bottom – Alexander Burt who resided at Gordon Street, Cowdenbeath, lost his life while at work in No XI Lumphinnans Colliery. Deceased had been employed at the top of a drop pit in which coal is lowered from one seam to another. His body was found at the bottom of the pit, but it is not known how the accident occurred. He was 35 years of age and leaves a widow and children [Dunfermline Journal 14 February 1925]

14 February 1925

Lumphinnans Pit Fatality – Miner's Tragic Death – The Fife mining industry, and aged miner William Baxter, 62 years of age, who resided at Cowden Place, Hill of Beath. Baxter was employed in the fourteen feet seam of No 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Tuesday of last week, when he was struck by a fall from the roof. When he was extricated from below the fallen material it was seen he was in a serious condition, but it was not thought that the injuries would prove fatal. He was removed to at once to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he passed away last Saturday morning. Deceased was a widower, and leaves a grown-up family. One of his sons was a centre-half for two years with Cowdenbeath, and also played for Hearts of Beath. [Dunfermline Journal 21st February 1925]

3 March 1925

Fatality At Kelty – Stone Falls on Fireman – Robert Russell, 35, a colliery fireman, was fatally injured in an accident in the Fife Coal Company's Lindsay Pit at Kelty on Tuesday afternoon. He was in the act of setting a prop in a gap which he had decided to fill up with refuse, when a stone weighing half a ton fell upon him. He was terribly injured and died in a few minutes. Deceased who lived in Mossgreen Street, Kelty was well known throughout the district as a singer and was to have taken the tenor solos in “Daniel” on Sunday night when the choir of Moray U.F. Church of which he was a member, were to sing that religious work. He was a member of Kelty Choral Union, and of the Underground Fireman's Association of Kelty District. He leaves a widow and child. [Dunfermline Journal 7 March 1925]

16 May 1925

Mining Accident – Edward M'Guire, Beveridge's Buildings, Crossgates, sustained a fracture of the right leg while working as a brusher in the rough coal seam of Dalbeath No 2 Pit. He was shovelling away some redd into a building when part of the side came away. [Dunfermline Journal 16 May 1925]

3 June 1925

Cowdenbeath Man Killed – John Fearns, 49 years of age, who lived at North Lumphinnans, Cowdenbeath, was instantaneously killed by a fall of material in the Lochgelly section of No 11 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery on Wednesday. [Dunfermline Journal 6 June 1925]

15 June 1925

Pit Accident – A sad accident took place in the surface mine at Lindsay Colliery on Monday, resulting in serious injury to Robert Bain (16), residing with his widow mother at Pearson's Buildings. The unfortunate lad had been employed at a conveyor run when his arm was drawn in between the belt and the roller. The machinery was speedily stopped and Bain removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital suffering from compound fracture of the arm, dislocated shoulder, and serious injuries under the armpit. [Dunfermline Journal 20 June 1925]

24 July 1925

Man Electrocuted At Kelty - Thomas Thomson (23), who resided at Marshall Street Cowdenbeath, was electrocuted last night while engaged at work at the Power Station of the Fife Coal Company (Ltd.), Kelty. He was the son of David Thomson Hall Street Cowdenbeath, and was married only three weeks ago. A brother was electrocuted underground two years ago at No 11 Colliery Lumphinnans. [Scotsman 25 July 1925]

10 August 1925

Cowdenbeath Miner Injured - Fall of Stone at No 10 Pit - Joseph O'Donnell (41), a miner, who resides at Cocklaw Street, Kelty, was removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Friday in a critical condition, the result of an accident which took place at the High Glassee section of No 10 Pit, Cowdenbeath. O'Donnell was working at the face, proping the roof. He had one prop in, and was in the act of putting in another to make the roof secure, when, caused by a hidden lipe, a large stone nearly 6ft long and 3ft broad, fell from the roof, crushing him to the pavement. When he was extricated it was seen he was in a very bad condition, and he was removed to the hospital. [Dunfermline Journal 13 December 1924]

NB Joseph O'Donnell died 10 August 1925. With thanks to Angela Boyle for this information

19 August 1925

Heroism in Fife Mine - The circumstances of a particularly heroic act performed in the Lochgelly Iron and Coal Company's Lochhead Pit on 19th August, were disclosed in an inquiry under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry (Scotland) Act at Dunfermline yesterday.

It was elicited that James Torrance, pit foreman, having failed to return from a search for an iron rail required by brushers in the Jewel dook, two men - Alexander Burden, sen., brusher, 65 Thistle Street, Cowdenbeath, and John Mathieson, colliery oversman, Gordon Cottage, Cowdenbeath - set out in search of their comrade, whose asphyxiated body they found in a section of the dook which had long been barricaded off in consequence of a large accumulation of carbonic acid gas (black damp.)

Giving their evidence, the men stated that in the dark, since they knew that lights would not burn in the atmosphere, they penetrated a distance of thirty feet, found the body and carried it back to fresh air where attempts at artificial respiration proved unsuccessful.

Both modestly admitted that they knew the risk they were running; and they stated that they experienced great difficulty in breathing during the time they were in the vitiated atmosphere.

Mr E. H. Frazer, HM Inspector of Mines, at the conclusion of the. evidence, commented upon the heroism of Burden, and Mathieson, which, he said, deserved to be brought under the notice of the Carnegie Hero Fund Trustees. The jury added their commendation to that of HM Inspector of Mines. [The Scotsman 25 September 1925]

22 August 1925

Cowdenbeath Miner Killed - Alexander Dunn, Park Street, Cowdenbeath, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Saturday from head injuries sustained while at work at No. 7 Pit, Cowdenbeath, the previous day. [Scotsman 24 August 1925]

3 December 1925

Kelty Pit Fatality – William Drummond, 59, Rock Cottage, Foulford Road, Cowdenbeath, was accidentally killed while at work in the Aitken Pit, Kelty, yesterday. [Scotsman 4 December 1925]

20 January 1926

Fife Pit Fatality - William Skinner, miner, 54 years of age, who resided at 165 Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, lost bis life in the Lochgelly splint seam of No. 15 Pit, Donibristle Colliery yesterday morning through being buried beneath a heavy fall of coal. Deceased leaves a widow and son. [Scotsman 21 January 1926]

11 December 1926

Kelty – Colliery Fatality – Mr James Marshall, who left the district in the early weeks of April, was killed in a colliery explosion at Greymouth. Marshall was one of the best euphonium players in Scotland and rendered yeoman service to Kelty and Blairadam Band, Dunfermline Military Band and the Carnegie Trust Band. He is survived by a wife and two of a family. [Dunfermline Journal 11 December 1926]

21 December 1926

Fatal Accident in Fife Colliery – David Burt, 2 Arthur Place, Cowdenbeath, has died from injuries sustained through being caught beneath a fall of stone in Mossbeath Pit, Cowdenbeath, on Tuesday night. Deceased was middle aged and unmarried. [Scotsman 23 December 1926]

21 March 1927

Fife Mining Accident – Father and Son Caught By Fall - Through a heavy fall from the roof occurring in the Lochhead Mine, Raith Colliery, Cowdenbeath, yesterday afternoon. James Gillespie, residing at Auchtertool, and his son, John, were buried beneath a pile of debris. The father was extricated suffering from severe head injuries, but up till a late hour last night it had not been possible to reach the son, and there is little hope of him being alive. [Scotsman 22 March 1927]

5 July 1927

Fife Pit Fatality – David Spowart, 41, West Park St, Cowdenbeath, was so badly injured yesterday by being caught between pinion wheels of a haulage engine he was attending in the James Pit, Donibristle Colliery, Fife, that he died within a few minutes. He leaves a widow and five of a family. [Scotsman 6 July 1927]

16 December 1927

Fife Pit Accident - Fourteen Men Injured - Cage Crashed To Bottom - Fourteen miners were injured, three of them seriously, in an accident which occurred yesterday morning at the Fife Coal Company' s Lindsay pit, Kelty. A double-decked cage, carrying sixteen men, was being lowered in the shaft when a defect, so far unexplained, developed in the winding apparatus. The result was that, instead of stopping at the staging, the cage crashed into the pit bottom. The occupants were subjected to a violent shock, their heads, in some cases, coming in contact with the sides and roof of the cage. First-aid men assisted the injured miners out of the cage, and with all speed they were conveyed to the surface, where two doctors were soon in attendance. Three of the men, more seriously injured than their comrades, were removed, in an ambulance waggon to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. They were:- Albert Coutts, 9 Ness Buildings, Kelty, fracture of the right leg and dislocation of the knee; Andrew Wilson, Normand Place, Cocklaw Street, Kelty, laceration of the right foot; and William Gray, 203 Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath, severe shock end bruises about the body. After having their injuries attended to by the doctors at the pithead, the other men were transported in ambulance waggons to their homes. They all suffered from shock and leg and face injuries. These men were:- John Clarkson, Oakfield Street, Kelty; Joe Arnott, 45 Naysmith Place, Kelty; George Dunn, Catholic Institute, Cowdenbeath; Ignatius Moore, Kirkford; William Grey, 11 Adams Terrace, Kelty; James Cargill, 3 Scotland's Place, Kelty; Robert Watson, Kirkford; Andrew Paterson, East Park Street, Cowdenbeath; David Sinclair, Doune Terrace, Kelty; Andrew Philp, Keltyhill, Kelty; and Alexander Richardson, Brown's Buildings. Kelty. Trifling damage was done to the shaft and winding apparatus. [Scotsman 17 December 1927]

5 January 1928

Fife Pit Fatality – Martin Digan, 22, a miner, who resided at Shiels, Kelty, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital yesterday as a result of injuries received in a colliery accident the previous evening. Digan had been working at a conveyor pan run in the Aitken Pit, he was struck by a piece of coal. His skull was fractured. [Scotsman 7 January 1928]

Kelty Accident - Young Man Fatally Injured - Martin Digin, 21 years of age, son of Patrick Digin, The Shiels, Kelty, passed away in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital yesterday morning as a result of injuries sustained while at work in Aitken Colliery, Kelty, the night before. The young man had been working at the bottom of a very steep incline on a pan run in the Glassee seam. He was struck by a piece of coal which had been flung from the pan, and was seen to be in a dangerous condition. He was immediately rushed to hospital, but his condition was hopeless. [Dunfermline Journal 7 January 1928]

19 January 1928

Cowdenbeath Miner Injured By Fall of Coal - Andrew Watt, 30, brusher, residing at 37 Arthur Place, Cowdenbeath, sustained a fracture of the right thigh while at work in the Marion Pit, Donibristle, on Thursday. Watt had been employed brushing when a piece of coal fell on him from the roof. He received attention at the colliery, but was later conveyed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he is meantime detained. [Dunfermline Journal 21 January 1928]

10 March 1928

Cowdenbeath Pit Accident - Francis Oliver, miner, 342 Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, was injured in No 12 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery. He was in the act of removing a beam, when it sprung back and hit him in the face. He was removed to his home in the ambulance waggon suffering from concussion and a wound in his cheek. [Dunfermline Journal 10 March 1928]

24 April 1928

Fatal Sequel To Colliery Accident - Cowdenbeath Man Succumbs In Hospital - Thomas Smith (68), a miner, who formerly resided at 14 Woodland Place, Cowdenbeath, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Tuesday as a result of injuries sustained. About seven weeks ago Smith was working in a colliery when he was caught by a fall of coal from the roof and was so severely injured that he had to be conveyed to the Hospital. [Dunfermline Journal 28 April 1928]

14 May 1928

Pit Worker's Fatal Injuries - Andrew M Allan, a coal-cutting machineman, King Street, Cowdenbeath, was killed as the result of an accident in the Wee Splint Section of Foulford Colliery No 2 Pit. Allan was struck by the machine, which ran backwards when the chain broke. He was knocked down and dragged a considerable distance. He was so severely injured that he died shortly after his admission to the West Fife Hospital. He leaves a widow and family. [Dunfermline Journal 19 May 1928]

2 July 1928

Pit Fatality. - The other inquiry related to the death of Robert Gilfillan, brusher, 319 Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, who died in Dunfermline Hospital from injuries sustained while employed in Donibristle Colliery, belonging the Fife Coal Company, by a stone falling on his right knee from the side of the working place. Deceased's son said that he was working with his father on the morning of June 7. A piece of iron-stone came away and struck his father on the knee. His father did not think much of it at the time and finished the shift, but next day h complained of pains in his right knee. He consulted a doctor, who told his father that he was suffering from rheumatism. Deceased had to lie off work on the 10th. and as he became worse he was taken to Dunfermline Hospital on June 17, and died there 15 days later. Dr Ruth Elizabeth Miller, Dunfermline, said that Gilfillan's knee was in a very bad condition when he came to the hospital and an operation had to be performed immediately. The original abrasion had become septic. [Evening Telegraph 26 July 1928]

19 September 1928

Pit Fatality - Archibald Hall, miner, 324 Perth Road, Cowdenbeath, was the victim of a fatal accident on Wednesday in No XI Pit, North Lumphinnans Colliery Cowdenbeath. Hall, who was employed in the main section of the pit, was at work when he was struck by a large stone that fell from the roof. Although from the size of the stone it was at first thought that there was no hope of his being rescued alive, his companions worked hard for three hours before the stone was raised sufficiently to get him out. The their worst fears were realised, it being evident that he ha been killed instantaneously. Deceased, who belonged to Perth, leaves a widow and three of a family. [Dunfermline Journal 22 September 1928]

16 October 1928

Kelty Miner Killed - William Coyle, 38, colliery machineman, Aitken Colliery, Kelty, belonging to the Fife Coal Company, was fatally injured while at work there. Coyle was caught by the picks of the machine. He was taken out in a precarious condition and died in West Fife Hospital shortly after. Deceased resided at 20 Adams Terrace, Kelty. [Dunfermline Journal 20 October 1928]

23 October 1928

Kelty Miner Killed - James Duncan (38) colliery fireman, Black Road, Kelty, met his death as the result of being struck by some runaway hutches while carrying out his duties at the Lindsay Colliery, Kelty. [Scotsman 25 October 1928]

8 November 1928

Hill of Beath Youth Electrocuted – Intended Emigrating To America – George Flockhart, 17, son of Mr George Flockhart, The Square, Hill of Beath, was electrocuted on Thursday while at work at a redd bing. The lad was working below an electric wire, which becoming loose from its fastenings, fell on him causing instant death. The unfortunate lad had all his preparations made to join his brother in America, and intended sailing next Friday. [Dunfermline Journal 10 November 1928]

27 January 1929

Fatal Accident - While Thomas McCluskey (28), son of Michael McCluskey, Upper Oakfield, Kelty, was at work at Lassodie, on a coal cutting machine, last Sunday forenoon, he was caught by a fall from the roof and instantly killed. Deceased was a quite lad and a general favourite with his companions. Much sympathy is felt for his parents, who are well known. [Dunfermline Journal 2 February 1929]

18 August 1929

Pit Fireman Electrocuted - William Ford, underground fireman, King Street, Cowdenbeath, was electrocuted yesterday as the result of coming into contact with a live cable while following his employment in Moss Beath Colliery, Cowdenbeath, belonging to the Fife Coal Company (Limited.) Artificial respiration was applied for an hour without avail, death having been instantaneous. Deceased was 28 years of age and leaves a widow and one child. [Scotsman 19 August 1929]

14 September 1929

Colliery Under Manager Killed - A distressing accident occurred in No. XI. Pit, Lumphinnans colliery, on Saturday, resulting in the death of John M'Lean, under manager of the colliery. He was in the act of walking up a steep incline when a rope controlling seven hutches snapped, and Mr M'Lean, who was immediately in front, was killed by the runaway hutches. For a number of years Mr M'Lean was secretary of the Scottish Colliery Under Managers' Association, and was highly respected in mining circles. He was a native of Lesmahagow, and removed to Fife nearly twenty years ago. He resided at Kelty, and leaves a widow and grown up family. [Scotsman 16 September 1929]

16 October 1929

An underground repairer, named George Cook, was found to have died in the Mynheer section of No. 1 pit, Lumphinnans colliery, yesterday morning. He had been erecting props, but the cause of death has not been given. Deceased was 65 years of ago. He was a widower, and lived with his daughter at Park Street, Cowdenbeath. [Scotsman 17 October 1929]

25 November 1929

Stone Causes Death - An enquiry was also conducted into the circumstances attending the death of George Whitelaw, miner, 93 Fairfield, Lassodie, who died on 25th November in No 4 Pit of the Lassodie Colliery from injuries received in the course of his employment as a miner there. [Dunfermline Journal 21 December 1929]

10 January 1930

Cowdenbeath Miner Seriously Injured - Crushed by Falling Stone. - Gabriel M'Ewan, 15 Shamrock Place, Cowdenbeath, is at present in the West Fife Hospital in a critical condition as the result of an accident which took place in No. 1 pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, belonging to the West Fife Coal Company. M'Ewan, who is a pan-shifter in the fivefoot section, was, along with some others, testing the roof, when suddenly a stone fell from the roof and crushed him. He was taken to the pithead, where after medical examination it was discovered that he was suffering from an incomplete fracture of the spine, and was at once removed to the West Fife Hospital. [Evening Telegraph 5 September 1928]

25 August 1930

Kelty pit fatality - William Boyd, the fourteen-year-old son of David Boyd, Boyd's Buildings, Kelty, who only commenced work underground on Thursday last, was killed yesterday in the Lindsay Colliery, Kelty. The lad had been engaged at the pit bottom loading and unloading hutches. No one witnessed the accident, but it is thought that he had slipped and fallen underneath the descending cage. [Scotsman 26 August 1930]

5 January 1931

Death of Well-Known Kelty Man - Fatal Burning Injuries - Result of Gas Explosion - Mr David Sinclair, William Terrace, Kelty, while at his usual employment as night shift oversman in the Lindsay Pit, Kelty, met with a most serious burning accident in the early hours of last Friday evening. It appears that he had been making an examination of a fall in the Dunfermline Splint Section preparatory to having arrangements made to have the road cleared for resumption of work on Friday morning when an explosion of gas took place, causing serious burning to the head and arms. He was conveyed with all speed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, but while everything possible was done to alleviate his suffering, he died at 2 o'clock on Sunday morning. Accompanying “Davie” was Mr Barnard, who escaped with slight injury. Mr David Sinclair, was one of Kelty's best known and highly respected citizens, and it would seem almost impossible to enumerate his many connections to the life of Kelty. One of his life long connections, and one which will live for many years in the memories of the inhabitants, is the service he has rendered to the Kelty children's gala and the Kelty old folk's summer and Christmas treats. He has been connected with both since their inception, and for many years was secretary for each. He was for many years a representative from Kelty on the Beath Parish Council, and for a period of years was chairman of the Ambulance Waggon Association. He had been secretary of the Gardener's Society for a long period, and was secretary to the Co-operative Educational Committee. He was also secretary to the Saturday evening entertainments committee some years ago, which provided Saturday evening concerts at most reasonable prices. These concerts were kept up every winter until the Gothenburg Hall was opened. He met with a serious accident two years ago, when seven or eight men were hurt owing to some defect in the electric wind, which caused the cage to dash to the pit bottom. As will be seen from another column he was present at the Co-operative choir social on Thursday evening. He was called on and gave a song previous to his departure for his work. Some of the company, including Mrs Sinclair, tried to persuade him to remain and enjoy himself, but he had said he would be at his work, and, true to his word, left the social and ran to the pit so that it would be no fault of his if the men did not resume work on Friday morning. The funeral took place on Tuesday. The Masons, of which he was a member, were present, along with deputations from the schools etc. Kelty for a long time will miss “Davie” Sinclair. He helped to organise more benefit concerts than any individual member of the community. He was a fearless speaker and one of the best at exposing deception. Much sympathy is felt for his widow and grown-up family in their bereavement. [Dunfermline Journal 11 January 1931]

24 February 1931

A mining fatality occurred last night in No 10 Pit, Lassodie, near Cowdenbeath, the victim being Thomas Woodrow, 75 Fairfield Lassodie. The deceased was completing his shift when the accident occurred, a heavy fall of stone crushing him to the pavement and inflicting terrible injuries to the skull. Deceased who was 56 years of age, is survived by a widow and family of seven. [Scotsman 25 February 1931]

16 March 1931

Struck By Waggon - The next [fatal accident inquiry] concerned the death of William Burt, railway gatekeeper, c/o Whyte, 234 Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, who died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on 16th March as the result of injuries received on 5th March when he was struck by a railway waggon at the Mossbeath Colliery railway level crossing in Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, while in the course of his employment there. James Beveridge, shunter, 1 East Park Street, Cowdenbeath, employed by the Fife Coal Company at Mossbeath Colliery, said deceased, although 79 years of age, was an active and alert man. About 4.30pm on the day of the accident he was engaged to take a train of eight empty waggons from Hill of Beath sidings to Mossbeath. About 150 yards from the crossing the engine driver blew his whistle, and Burt gave them the signal to come on. At the time Burt was standing in the middle of the road. The train was being propelled and witness was in the first waggon. The first waggon was just about to cross the road when a motor car approached at a very fast speed from the west. The driver crossed to the side of the road with the apparent intention of trying to get past the front of the waggons. When witnesses last saw Burt he was about 3ft 6 in from the path of the motor car signalling it to stop. The next he saw of Burt was him lying on the ground. He overheard Burt tell the driver of the train that “the waggon had caught his arm and birled him round.” It was the fall to the causeway that had hurt him. Alexander Welsh, colliery locomotive driver, 318 Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, said he got the signal from Beveridge after he had blown his whistle to go on. The train was only proceeding at walking pace. About half way over the road he got the signal to stop from Beveridge, and he stopped in a waggon length. He then found Burt had been knocked down. Burt said he must have been standing close to the waggons. John Greig, police constable, Dunfermline, who took a statement from the deceased in hospital was to the effect that when the race of waggons came up he stepped into the road to see that all was clear. A motor car approached at the time and he tried to stop it. He was struck by the first waggon and knocked down, injuring his leg. A formal verdict was returned. [Dunfermline Journal 19 May 1931]

21 March 1931

Cowdenbeath Colliery Accident - While employed in the Mynheer section of No 7 pit, Cowdenbeath Colliery, last Saturday. Hugh Stewart, mine foreman inspector was struck by a fall of stone. He sustained, besides other injuries, a fractured rib, and was taken home in the ambulance waggon. [Dunfermline Journal 28 March 1931]

16 April 1931

Fatal Scratch - While at work in the Aitken Pit last Saturday, [illegible] Hunter, son of Mr James Hunter, ambulance attendant, received a scratch on the cheek. This was attended to before he left the colliery. On Monday he was removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he died early the following morning. Hunter, who was 37 years of age, was a prominent member of the Kelty cricket team for some years. He was a good all round player and rarely missed a match. He was also a member of the Rescue Brigade. The funeral, a public one was attended by a large number of young [illegible]. He leaves a widow and two children. [Dunfermline Journal 25 April 1931]

Thomas Watson Hunter died 16 April 1931 from septicaemia.

2 May 1931

Cowdenbeath Man Injured - While James Kirk, Cowdenbeath, a Fife Coal Company employee was at work on the demolition of a screen he was caught and received severe injuries to his face and body. He was removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he is making satisfactory progress. [Dunfermline Journal 2 May 1931]

14 May 1931

Fife Pit Fatality - One Man Killed and Two Injured - Charles Conway, the nineteen-year-old son of Patrick Conway, 172 South Street, Lochgelly, lost is life and two others were injured in a mining accident which took place at No. 11 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, near Cowdenbeath, belonging to the Fife coal Co (Ltd.). Conway was following his usual employment in No 4 Glasee section, together with James Dickson, who resides at Boyd's Building's Kelty and William Scott, Main Street, Hill of Beath, when a heavy fall of coal occurred. Dickson and Scott managed to scramble clear, but Conway was pinned beneath the debris. A rescue party immediately set to work in an endeavour to extricate the unfortunate man alive, and they had nearly succeeded when a second fall took place completely burying him. When eventually extricated, death was found to be due to suffocation. Dickson was the more badly hurt of the other two, his arm being severely lacerated, while Scott escaped with a slight leg injury. As a mark of sympathy the pit was completely idle yesterday. [Scotsman 16 May 1931]

31 May 1931

Fife Miner Killed - A mining fatality occurred yesterday morning at No. 12 Colliery, Lumphinnans, near Cowdenbeath , belonging to the Fife Coal Company (Ltd.) The victim was John Wallace, a repairer, who resided at Rosewell Terrace, Cocklay Street, Kelty. He was engaged following his usual employment when a heavy fall of stone occurred, causing his neck to be broken. He was forty years of age, and leaves a widow and family. [Scotsman 1 June 1931]

3 June 1931

Kelty Electrician's Fatal Mistake - The jury [at a FAI in Dunfermline] next inquired into the death of David Cook Galloway, electric linesman, Hutton's Buildings, Black Road, Kelty, who died on 3rd June at No 10 Colliery, Kirkford, belonging to the Fife Coal Co., having been killed by electric shock from one of the transmission lines in the course of his employment as a linesman there. George Adams, the foreman electrical linesman of the Fife Coal Company,said deceased was in his charge and had been employed with the Company since 1929 on surface work. On many occasions he had travelled the Kirkford line. On the day in question, witness said he gave deceased his orders to take other two men and examine the low voltage line as there had been some trouble the night before. Deceased went up the pole which was live, and this caused his death. Before sending deceased to do the work, witness said he isolated the high voltage. The lines consisted of 3000 volts and 6000 volts. The low voltage was live, and he told deceased it was the high one which he had to examine. Witness said there was little difference in the isolators. He did not think, looking up at both poles, that it was possible to distinguish which was the high or low line. William Renny, Keltyhill Road, Kelty, said he was an electrical linesman. He was with deceased when the accident occurred. Deceased, he said, decided to climb the pole on the west side of the road near Kirkford Colliery. Deceased commenced to climb the pole and continued until he reached the wire, when sparks came flying out of his boots. Witness said he knew then that the wire was live, and he ran to the substation at Kirkford to tell what had happened. When he returned deceased had fallen down. William Finnie, another linesman, said when they arrived at the pole he told deceased that it was the Mossbeath line, and therefore was live. Deceased said he knew better. When he was at the bottom of the ladder he pushed witness aside and said he was positive it was not the Mossbeath line. Deceased was electrocuted through a mistake in thinking it was a dead line. After his being so positive, witness thought he himself was wrong. John M'Caskill, retired fireman, 1 Old Pit Row, Kirkford, said he was standing outside his house when deceased fell down the pole. He was taken into witness's house where he died. A formal verdict was returned. [Dunfermline Journal 13 June 1931]

16 June 1931

Kelty - Miner Injured - Andrew Rennie, a well-known local miner, met with an accident while employed at the Aitken Colliery on Tuesday. He was caught by a race of hutches and crushed about the body. [Dunfermline Journal 13 June 1931]

Kelty - Man Dies From Injuries - Mr Andrew Rennie, a well-known Kelty resident died in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary early on Tuesday morning as the result of an accident received at his work in the Aitken Pit and reported in last week's issue. Sixty-seven years of age, the deceased lived all his life in Kelty and was well known and respected by everyone who knew him. It cannot be said that he took part in public life but he was very popular. In his youth he was a Volunteer in the Kinross Company, when a squad of 20 from Kelty was included at camp he acted as servant to the late Captain Bogie, who had a great admiration for Andrew. He was closely associated with the ex-Serviceman's Club, and a very willing helper he always had a cheerful word and a hearty smile for everyone. His wife died many years ago and his only relative residing at Kelty is a nephew, Mr John Rennie. The funeral was public and took place to Beath Cemetery on Thursday, when the ex-Service Men and the general public turned out in large numbers to pay their last respects. [Dunfermline Journal 20 June 1931]

9 September 1931

Fife Shunting Fatality - John Simpson, 2 Macdonald Square, Halbeath, a shunter employed by the Fife Coal Company (Ltd.). was accidentally killed yesterday during shunting operations near Foulford colliery, Cowdenbeath. There was no eye-witness of the accident, but, it is surmised that Simpson was seated on a waggon, the door of which burst open and crashed with a stationary waggon on another line. The collision resulted in Simpson being thrown heavily to the ground, causing his neck to be broken. Deceased leaves a widow and family [Scotsman 10 September 1931]

25 September 1931

Kelty Colliery Accident - Cowdenbeath Man Severely Injured - William Rae, brusher, who resides in Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath, was severely injured in an accident at the Lindsay Colliery, Kelty, belonging to the Fife Coal Company. Rae was caught by a heavy fall, and great difficulty was experienced in getting him released, when he was found to be suffering from body injuries. [Dunfermline Journal 3 October 1931]

Cowdenbeath Miner Injured - William Rae (30), 19 Rosehill Crescent, Cowdenbeath, sustained severe injuries while working in the Dunfermline Splint Section of the Lindsay Colliery, Kelty, last Friday. A roof fall occurred, and a stone which was dislodged crushed Rae against the waste. The injured man was taken to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital where he is making good progress towards recovery. [Dunfermline Journal 3 October 1931]

28 September 1931

Tragedy In Kelty Pit - Foreman Found Dead - Thomas Moore, Nasmyth Place, Kelty, died under tragic circumstances on Monday morning in the Aitken Colliery, Kelty. Moore, who was employed as an underground foreman, failed to return to the pit bottom at his usual hour, and search was immediately made. He was later found near a pillar in a heading in the Dunfermline Splint section of the pit. The cause of his death has not so far been determined but it is assumed to have been due to gas poisoning. He leaves a wife and a family of three. [Dunfermline Journal 3 October 1931]

29 October 1931

Miner Killed At Cowdenbeath - John M'Hale, 17 Mid Row, Hill of Beath, near Cowdenbeath, was yesterday fatally injured while at work in Moss Beath Colliery, Cowdenbeath, belonging to the Fife Coal Company (Ltd.) He was following his usual employment when a heavy fall of stone occurred, pinning him against some machinery, and causing instantaneous death. Deceased who belonged to a well-known football family, was about 40 years of age, and unmarried. [Scotsman 30 October 1931]

27 January 1932

Fatal Pit Accident Cowdenbeath - Edward Macmillan (21), son of John Macmillan, 14 Marshall Street, Cowdenbeath, was fatally injured yesterday in the Dora Pit, Little Raith colliery, Cowdenbeath, belonging to the Lochgelly Iron and Coal Company. He was engaged putting up a prop in the 14-feet section, when the roof gave way. He was caught by the fall and pinned to the pavement. Death was instantaneous. As a mark of respect, work at the colliery was immediately suspended for the day. [Scotsman 28 January 1932]

14 June 1932

A Cowdenbeath man, George Mitchell, 103 Foulford Road, who was employed by the Fife Coal Co. (Ltd.) as a labourer, was electrocuted while following his employment at No. 7 Colliery Sub-Power Station, Cowdenbeath, last night. He was engaged white-washing the walls of the station when he came in contact with a live wire carrying a pressure of 6000 volts. Death was instantaneous. Deceased was over 50 years of age. [Scotsman 15 June 1932]

20 December 1932

Kelty Pit Fatality - William Thomson (67), electrical engineer, who resided at 3 Shield's Row, Kelty, lost his life at the Lindsay pit, Kelty, yesterday. Thomson had been assisting in placing a coal-cutting machine on a bogey by means of a crane. While in mid air the machine suddenly swung round and struck him on the temple, causing a fracture to the skull, from which he died a few minutes later. Deceased leaves a widow and grown-up family. [Scotsman 21 December 1932]

Fife Mining Fatality – Kelty Man Struck By Machine - William Thomson (60), an electrician employed by the Fife Coal Company, met his death this morning in a mining accident. Thomson was engaged in the Lindsay Colliery, Kelty, and was employed removing an electric coal-cutter, when the machine fell on top of him, causing instantaneous death. Deceased, who resided at Shiels Road, Kelty, had been a long time in the village. He leaves a widow and a grown-up family. [Evening Telegraph 20 December 1932]

30 January 1933

Kelty Miner Killed - Thomas Mill who resided at Cocklaw Street, Kelty, while following his employment as a stripper in the surface mine of the Lindsay Colliery yesterday, was caught beneath a fall of stone from the roof and instantaneously killed. He was a married man, 37 years of age. [Scotsman 31 January 1933]

31 January 1933

Fire-Damp Explosion - Inquiry into Kelty Miner's Death - Evidence with regard to an explosion of firedamp in a West Fife colliery was heard in Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday, when an inquiry was held with regard to the death of Alexander Forrester Cook, miner, Oakfield Street, Kelty, whoo died on January 31 in the Dunfermline and West File Hospital from the effects of burning injuries received by him on January 29; in the Jersey Mine of the Aitken Colliery, belonging to the Fife Coal Company (Limited.). Cook, who had been working with other two men in an adjoining part of the underground workings, left his companions to fetch a shovel from the Jersey Mine, in which no one was working at the time, The explosion occurred shortly after he left his workmates, both of whom were knocked down by a great rush of air. Cook received severe burning injuries. Witnesses stated that they had never heard any complaints about the air in the Jersey Mine, nor had they ever heard that there was gas in it. Asked by Mr. H T Foster, His Majesty's Senior Inspector of Mines, what he thought was the unusual condition which caused fire-damp to be present on the occasion in question, Samuel Benson, under-manager of the colliery, said that the barometer had fallen an inch from Saturday to Sunday morning, and if there was any firedamp on the strata at all it was bound to have come off that night. The underground firemen were questioned at some length by Mr Foster, as to the method of their inspections at weekends, and as to the operation of the fan at the entrance to the Jersey Mine. On the suggestion of Sheriff Umpherston, the jury added to their formal verdict an expression of opinion that, when men were not working in the Jersey Mine at the weekends and the fan was not in motion, the mine ought either to have been regularly inspected or else it should have been fenced off. [Scotsman 24 February 1933]

13 February 1933

Miner Killed At Kelty - Joseph Donlevy, a miner, residing at the Empire House, Cowdenbeath, lost his life at the Aitken Pit, Kelty, yesterday. Donlevy was at work in the top bank seam when suddenly he was caught beneath a heavy fall from the roof. A considerable time elapsed before the body was extricated. Donlevy leaves a widow and a child. [Scotsman 14 February 1933]

MINER KILLED - COMRADES' HEROIC ATTEMPTS TO RESCUE HIM - Great heroism was revealed yesterday in a mining accident at Cowdenbeath, Fifeshire, when one miner, Joseph Donlevy, lost his life. He was buried a 20-ton fall from the roof, but at great risk his workmates worked until they almost had him out. He spoke to them and then lost consciousness. Another fall took place, nearly burying two of the rescue party. For another three hours they laboured great risk, only to find Donlevy suffocated. [Nottingham Evening Post 14 February 1933]

17 May 1933

Fatal result of accident - Matthew Cook, Union Street, Kelty, who was injured by a shot going off while he was working as a brusher in the Aitken pit, Kelty, on Wednesday, died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital yesterday. He is survived by a widow and child. His brother, Alexander, lost his life through an accident in the same colliery on 29th January last. [20th May 1933]

24 April 1934

Fife Miner Killed - His Father and Another Man Injured - William Porterfield, aged 19, 56 Small Street, Lochgelly, was killed, and his father, John Porterfield, of the same address, and Ebenezer Dewar, 12 Miller's Buildings, Kelty, injured, in an accident in the main coal seam of No 11 pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, yesterday morning. The men had been repairing a roadway and a huge stone broke away, striking young Porterfield on the head. The father was also caught by the stone and pinned to the pavement. Two hours elapsed before he was got free. He suffered from bruises and severe shock. Dewar had his right hand injured. [Scotsman 25 April 1934]

MINER WHO THOUGHT ONLY OF HIS SON - But His Son Was Already Lying Dead - A man who was pinned clown by a fall of stone in a colliery near Cowdenbeath, Fifeshire, yesterday, told the rescue party: "Don't mind me. Get my son." But his son, William Porterfield, a miner, Lochgelly, had been killed instantly. A large stone had struck him on the head and then pinned his father against the wall. Another worker had hand badly injured. The rescue party assured the father that all was done for his son. Not until two hours afterwards when the father was freed, was informed his son was dead. [Western Daily Press 25 April 1934]

6 December 1934

Fife Miner Fatally Injured - David Buchanan, a widower, 34 years of age, who resided at Sunnyside Cottages, Blairadam, lost his life in the Lindsay Pit, Kelty, yesterday. He was the driver of a battery locomotive underground and his death was caused through being crushed at the main ventilation door. [Scotsman 7 December 1934]

30 March 1935

Cowdenbeath Miner Killed - Archibald Macmillan, .Woodland Place, Cowdenbeath, while working in the Aitken pit, Kelty, on Saturday,.was killed by a fall of stone. He was 34, and leaves a widow and a family of two. [Scotsman 1 April 1935]

1 May 1935

Robert Allan, a member of Cowdenbeath Town Council was killed yesterday while working in Aitken Colliery. Allan was on a machine run when he was struck by a burst of coal from the seam and was so severely injured that he died soon afterwards in West Fife Hospital. [The Times 2 May 1935]

19 June 1935

Fife Miner Killed By Fall From Roof - Charles Robertson, coal stripper, was killed yesterday by a fall of stone from the roof in No. 2 Pit,.Aitken colliery, Kelty. Robertson, who resided at Allison Place, Woodend, Kelty, leaves a widow and four children. This is the fourth fatal accident that has occurred at the colliery since March 31. [Scotsman 20 June 1925]

7 February 1936

Kelty Man Dies From Injuries - William Robertson (18), son of William Robertson, Mann's Buildings, Lower Oakfield, Kelty, has died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital from injuries sustained while at work on a roadway in the Surface Mine, Aitken colliery, Kelty, onThursday. [Scotsman 8 February 1936]

14 April 1936

Kelty Miner Killed In Pit - Andrew Sneddon, Lorne House, Kelty, lost his life while at work in the Top Bank seam of No. 1 pit, Aitken Colliery, Kelty, yesterday morning. He had been in the act of drawing props when the roof gave way, and he was crushed to the pavement by the falling material. He leaves a widow and child. [Scotsman 15 April 1936]

16 May 1936

Miner Killed At Kelty - James Adam (31), unmarried, who resided at 65 Adams Terrace, Kelty, while in the act of drawing props in No. 2 Pit, Aitken Colliery, Kelty, on Saturday, was caught by a fall from the roof. Death was instantaneous, and an hour elapsed before his body could be extricated. [Scotsman 18 May 1936]

15 July 1936

Fatal Sequel to Fife Colliery Accident - Irvine Thomas Beveridge, 46 Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital yesterday from injuries sustained through being crushed by hutches in the Lochgelly Splint Dook of Mossbeath Pit, Cowdenbeath. Deceased, who was 43 years of age, leaves a widow and a family of three. [Scotsman 16 July 1936]

25 August 1936

A Kelty miner, William Truran, died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital yesterday morning as the result of injuries received a week ago in an accident in the Aitken Colliery, Kelty, belonging to the Fife Coal Company Ltd. He was engaged in his work as a stripper when a large stone fell from the roof, fracturing one of his legs and injuring his spine. Truran was a member of the board of management of Kelty Co-operative Society Ltd. [Scotsman 26 August 1936]

3 November 1936

Miner Killed At Lumphinnans - George Whyte, brusher, Park Avenue, Cowdenbeath, lost his life in No. XI Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, yesterday morning, through being crushed about the head by a stone which suddenly came away from the face of the brushing. Whyte was 27 years of age, and had been married for only three months. [Scotsman 4 November 1936]

8 January 1937

Mineworker's Death - Fife Coal Company Sued Bing Fumes Allegation - In Dunfermline Sheriff Court, yesterday, Sheriff-Substitute F. A. Umpherston allowed a proof in an action under the Workmen's Compensation Act in which it is alleged that a mineworker met his death as a result of inhaling fumes or gases from a redd bing. The claimants are Mrs Margaret M'Inally or M'Morrow, residing at 287 Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath, widow of Francis M'Morrow, mineworker, who resided there; Jane M'Morrow (16). and Francis Joseph M'Morrow (15), minor children of Francis M'Morrow; and the said Margaret M'Inally or M'Morrow, as tutor and administrator-in-law for her pupil son, Andrew M'Morrow. They are suing the Fife Coal Company (Limited) for £321 as compensation in respect of the death of Francis M'Morrow. Claimants state on record that the deceased Francis M'Morrow was in the employment of the respondents as a mineworker at their Lindsay Colliery, Kelty, and for some months prior to his death he was employed at surface work at the colliery. On December 30 and 31 1936, he was employed at work on the redd bing at the Lindsay Colliery. The Lindsay bing, claimants aver, is on fire internally and at times gives off noxious fumes and noxious gases. They allege that, on the dates mentioned, while in the course of his employment on the Lindsay bing he was injuriously affected by inhaling the fumes or gases emitted by the bing. As a result, they aver, he became seriously ill on December 31 1936, and died on January 8, 1937. His illness and death, claimants' allege, were wholly due to or were at least materially contributed to by the accidental inhalation by him of the noxious fumes or gases, given off by the Lindsay bing, to which he was exposed in consequence of his employment thereon. Respondents, who deny liability, state in their answers that on December 31, 1936, M'Morrow only worked on the bing from the start of his shift at 6 a.m. until, about.9 a.m., at which time he stopped work on the bing and finished his shift at the picking tables at the pithead. Respondents admit that the Lindsay bing is, in part, on fire internally, but they deny that it gives off noxious fumes and gases. They explain and aver that the death of Francis M'Morrow was due to natural causes, and that the illness which resulted in his death was neither caused nor contributed to by any accident arising out of and in the course of his employment with the respondents. Proof in the action was fixed for October 7and 8. [Scotsman 23 June 1937]

20 February 1937

Fatal accident at Fife pit - The pit head worker, named William Brown, 30, son of William Brown, foreman butcher, Albany Cottage, Station Road, Kelty, was crushed between hutches at the Aitken Colliery, Kelty, on Saturday morning. He was removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, and died yesterday morning from his injuries. [Scotsman 22nd February 1937]

15 December 1937

Cowdenbeath Man's Fatal Injuries - Hugh Love, East Park Street, Cowdenbeath, who was run over by a train of waggons on the Mossbeath Colliery Railway, Cowdenbeath on Saturday has succumbed to his injuries in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. He was 61 years of age, and leaves a widow and a grown-up family. [Scotsman 17 December 1937]

22 April 1938

“Suicide From Pain” - Fife Compensation Claim Coalowners' Denial - At Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday, Sheriff Substitute F. A. Umpherston heard evidence in an action under the Workmen's Compensation Act, in which it is alleged that a labourer committed suicide because of the overwhelming pain he was suffering as the result of an injury received at his work. The claimants are Mrs Hannah Malcolm or Munro, 6 Council Houses, Keltyhill Road, Kelty, widow of William Munro, labourer, and Thomas Malcolm Munro, their son. They are suing the Fife Coal Company (Limited), Leven for an award of £250 of compensation in respect of the death of Wiiliam Munro. It is alleged by claimants that Munro, while working at the respondents Aitken Colliery, Kelty, on February 7 1938 was injured by a piece of wire entering the middle finger of his right hand. Subsequently it became septic, and a portion of the finger was amputated at Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. Claimants aver that on the morning of April 22, Munro committed suicide by throwing himself, in front of a railway train between Kelty and Blairadam Stations, and they allege that his suicide was a direct result of the overwhelming pain from,which he suffered as a result of his injury. Respondents deny that the death of Munro was a direct result of overwhelming pain from which he was suffering, or that his death was a direct consequence of the accident They plead that Munro's death not being due to injury by accident arising out of his employment, no compensation is payable.

Mental Condition - For the claimants, evidence was given by Mrs Munro and by acquaintances of the deceased that prior to his injury, Munro was a normal, cheerful man but that owing to the pain he suffered he became nervous and depressed. Mrs Munro said that on one occasion her husband said to her, “I am afraid this finger is going to be the death of me.” He seemed to feel, she said, that it was more than he was able to bear. Doctors who treated Munro at the hospital , stated in cross examination that they did not see anything abnormal in his mental condition. Professor David K. Henderson, Edinburgh University, Physician Superintendent of the Royal Hospital for Mental Disorders, Edinburgh, giving evidence for the respondents, said, that from the evidence and from his examination of the reports, he could not come to the conclusion that Munro was insane. Asked if he thought a man who was quite sane could fling himself in front of a train, he replied Yes. I think there are sane suicides. It was possible witness agreed, that Munro might commit this act on a sudden impulse. The evidence might indicate that the man had a neurosis, and witness would consider that that condition was directly due to the injury to the man's finger by causing a certain preoccupation with that injury. In cross examination, Professor Henderson said that a suicidal act was a thing that was very uncommon in a person merely suffering from a neurosis. Sheriff-Substitute Umpherston made avizandum. [Scotsman 10 December 1938]

16 December 1938

Shunter Run Over By Waggon - Peter M'Arthur, son of James M'Arthur, 107 Perth Road, Cowdenbeath, lost his life yesterday as the result of an accident which occurred at No. 11 Colliery, Lumphinnans, which belongs to Fife Coal Company Ltd. M'Arthur was employed as a shunter on the surface, and it appears .that he was run- over by a waggon. There was no eyewitness of the accident which was discovered by a fellow-employee who was attracted to the scene by cries of distress. M'Arthur was removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital where he died shortly after admission. Deceased was 25 years of age. [Scotsman 17 December 1938]

21 March 1939

Thomas Crawford, 23, coal stripper, 111 Naysmith Place, Kelty, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital yesterday as the result of injuries sustained on 21st March in an accident in No. 2 pit, Aitken Colliery, Kelty. Crawford was struck by a loaded hutch, and received a fracture of the spine. [Scotsman 5th April 1939]

Compensation claim refused - On the ground that a fatal accident arose as the result of a breach of regulations, Sheriff Umpherston refused a claim for compensation in an action under the Workmen's compensation Act, in Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday. Claimant was the mother of Thomas Crawford, brusher, 111 Naysmith Place Kelty, who met with injuries which proved fatal by being caught or struck by a moving hutch on a haulage road in the Aitken pit, Kelty, belonging to the Fife Coal Company Ltd, who were sued for payment of £200 compensation. It was contended by respondents that Crawford, in travelling on the dook at the time he did, was in breach of an order made by them, and that he was injured when riding up the dook on a hutch, through being jammed between a girder and the hutch on which he was riding. His Lordship, refusing compensation and finding claimant liable to respondent in expenses, said it was argued that claimant was not debarred from obtaining compensation by the fact that Crawford was in breach of one or more regulations. He was clearly of the opinion, however, that Crawford's act had no purpose in furtherance of his employers, but was solely for his own purpose of saving himself the trouble of walking up a very steep incline. The death could not therefore be deemed to have arisen out of the employment. Apart from any regulation, statutory or otherwise, when Crawford stepped aside for the customary and recognised method of proceeding home by walking up the dook, and for a purpose in no way related to his employment or the a business or his employment, but for a purpose of his own, and rode upon a hutch, he deserted his employment for the time; he entered upon an adventure which had nothing to do with work. [Scotsman 18th November, 1939]

22 August 1939

Kelty Miner Killed By Fall of Stone – Alexander Campbell, Station Road, Kelty, was instantaneously killed by a fall of stone while at work in No 1 pit, Aitken Colliery, Kelty, yesterday. He leaves a widow and family of three. [Scotsman 23 August 1939]

8 November 1940

RETIRED MINER KILLED BY WAGGON - David Bowman, a retired miner, 70 years of age, who lived at Union Street, Cowdenbeath, died last night in the West Fife Hospital, Dunfermline, from injuries received a few hours previously at Cowdenbeath. Bowman was on the premises of the Fife Coal Co. at Foulford, when he was struck by an empty waggon which ran over him. Deceased, who had resided in Cowdenbeath nearly all his life, is survived by his wife and a grown-up family. [Evening Telegraph 9 November 1940]

19 May 1941

MINER INJURED BY COAL FALL - Robert Killigan, miner, 42 Arthur Place, Cowdenbeath, has been removed to the West Fife Hospital, Dunfermline, seriously injured as the result of an accident in the Dora Pit, Cowdenbeath, belonging to Lochgelly Coal Co. Killigan was struck by fall of coal, and received injuries to his back and a fractured leg. [Evening Telegraph 19 May 1941]

5 June 1941

Fife pit accident - Three men dead; two injured - Extensive roof fall - Three pit workers lost their lives and two were injured when they were buried under an extensive fall yesterday morning in the underground workings of the Lindsay Colliery, Kelty, belonging to the Fife Coal Company Ltd. The three men killed were: -

Bernard Lynch 65, conveyor engine attendant, Woodend Park, Kelty;
Peter Wilson 29, stripper, pick the Street, Lumphinnans; and
Robert Nicol 29, stripper, Naysmith Place, Kelty

The injured are: - Edward Drummond, 23, stripper, Naysmith Place, and John Pryde 45, shot firer, Lower Oakfield, Kelty.The men had just begun work in the Lochgelly splint section of the colliery, when there was an extensive fall of material from the roof, and they were trapped. Rescue parties under the direction of Dr J N Williamson, the company's Safety Engineer; Mr W E S Peach, colliery agent; Mr T Thyne, manager; and Mr A Thomson, under manager, made heroic efforts to extricate the men. The body of Lynch was recovered shortly before middayDrummond and Pryde were extricated at about the same time, and it was found that, although injured, their condition was not serious. Several hours elapsed before the bodies of Wilson and Nicol were brought to the surface. Drummond and Pryde, who were removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital as suffering from shock and general bruising. [Scotsman 6 June 1941]

TRAPPED IN FIFE PIT - THREE DEAD, TWO INJURED - Three miners were killed and two injured in a Fife accident to-day. The men had commenced work the Lochgelly Seam of the Lindsay Colliery belonging to the Fife Coal company, when there was very heavy fall of coal and they were trapped. Under Mr W E S. Peach, colliery agent, and Mr Thomas Thyne, colliery manager, a rescue party was quickly at work. Before noon the body of Bernard Lynch (65), 11 Woodend Park, Kelty was recovered. Edward Drummond (23), 44 Naismyth Place, Kelty and John Pryde, Lily bank, Lower Oakfield Kelty, were taken out injured, but not seriously. The rescue party continued their efforts and this afternoon the bodies of Robert Nicoll (29), Naismyth Place, Kelty, and Peter Wilson (29), 45 Main Street, Lumphinnans, were brought to the surface. Lynch leaves a wife and a large grown-up family. Nicoll was a well-known junior footballer. He played for Kirkford Juniors and was well-known locally as "Tippy" Nicoll because of his neat passing. [Evening Telegraph 5 June 1941]

NB John Pryde subsequently died on 14 June 1941 - ref NAS Fatal Accident Inquiry: John Pryde, coal miner, Lilybank, Oakfield Street, Kelty, died on 14 Jun 1941 in West Fife Hospital, Dunfermline, from injuries sustained on 5 Jun 1941 at Lindsay Colliery, Kelty, Beath Parish, Fife, by a roof fall

30 June 1941

KELTY MAN KILLED IN PIT MISHAP - A well-known Kelty man, Mr William Penman (64), Oriel Cottage, Oakfield, was accidentally killed while at work in No. 1 Pit, Aitken Colliery, belonging to the Fife Coal Co., at a late hour last night. Penman, who was employed repairer, was crushed between roof supports and a hutch in the Jersey seam of the colliery. For many years he had been acting as secretary of Fife and Kinross Rose, Sweetpea, Pansy and Viola Society, and was considered an expert in the cultivation of these flowers. He also took a great interest in the Miners' Union affairs, and was vice-president of the Baths Committee of the Aitken Colliery. A native of Cowdenbeath, he leaves a wife and family of two, both married. [Evening Telegraph 1 July 1941]

30 August 1941

Apprentice Killed by Electric Cable - Harry Hotchkiss (18), employed in Fife Coal Company central workshop, Cowdenbeath, was fatally electrocuted early this morning. Hotchkiss, along with other apprentices, was enjoying the usual half-hour break at two o'clock by indulging a game of hide and seek. He could not be found when work was resumed. A search was made, but it was some time before his dead body was found on the platform of the large travelling electric crane, having come in contact with an electric cable, which caused instantaneous death. Hotchkiss, the son of Mr Hotchkiss, Foulford Road, Cowdenbeath, was an air-raid messenger. This is the first fatal accident that has taken place in the workshop since the building was erected in 1926. [Evening Telegraph 30 August 1941]

25 September 1942

Fife Colliery Fatality - David Duncan (68), colliery underground inspector, was killed by a fall of coal in Alice Pit, Fordell Colliery, Fife, to-day. Deceased, who had been 40 years in the colliery, is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter. He lived in Alexander Street. Cowdenbeath. [Evening Telegraph 25 September 1942]

11 January 1943

BURST FROM MINE KILLED WORKER- Sheriff MacLean returned a formal verdict at Dunfermline Sheriff Court to-day, after an inquiry into the death of William Hardie Fowler, colliery oncost worker, 54 Main Street, Lumphinnans, who was fatally injured while at work in the surface mine of the Lindsay Colliery, Kelty, on January 11. Witnesses said that there was a sudden burst from the coal face and Fowler was struck by coal and stone, receiving severe head injuries. He died in the ambulance while being conveyed to hospital. All precautions had been taken, and there was no reason to apprehend danger. It was pure coincidence that the burst took place when Fowler was passing. [Evening Telegraph 22 March 1943]

6 March 1944

Court Tribute To Dead Miner - Tribute was paid to a veteran miner when an inquiry was held Dunfermline Sheriff Court to-day into the death of John M'Donough (66), 1 Oak Street, Kelty, who died as the result of a heart attack on March 6 in the underground workings the Aitken Colliery, Kelty. Mr J. M. Hyslop, solicitor, said that the general manager of the Fife Coal Co., the agent and the manager of the colliery wished to express publicly their regret at the passing of a very faithful servant and to pay tribute to one of the older miners who in these trying times had continued at a very heavy job at an age when normally he would have been either retired or put on light work. It had been suggested to M'Donough after a previous illness that he take a lighter job, but he repudiated that suggestion with the remark "There's a war on." Sheriff Mac Lean returning a formal verdict said the court would concur in paying tribute to a man of that age who had continued at work in spite of difficulties. [Evening Telegraph 18 May 1944]

1 May 1944

Fife Miner’s Sudden Death - William Archibald (70), 48 Arthur's Place Cowdenbeath, who was employed in the Cowdenbeath Colliery, was in the act of stepping on to the cage at the bottom of the Kirkford Shaft last night when he collapsed and immediately expired. Deceased leaves a wife and a large grown-up family. Archibald was well known in West Fife as a prominent football official for many years. He was associated with Hearts of Beath, and then became an official of the Fife Junior Association, and represented Kelty Rangers in their most prosperous years. He retired with a life membership of the Scottish Junior Association. For three years he was a member of Beath School Management Committee and represented the parents in Broad Street School, Cowdenbeath. [Evening Telegraph 2 May 1944]

11 May 1949

Killed In Colliery - Arthur Morris, 71, underground colliery fireman, 26 Woodend Place, Cowdenbeath, was instantaneously killed this morning in No 7 Colliery, Cowdenbeath, when he was knocked down by a runaway hutch. [Evening Times 11 May 1949]

10 November 1949

Anderson Martin (16), stepson of James McMenemy, labourer, Loch Fitty Crossing Cottage, Lassodie, near Dunfermline, was fatally injured when he was caught in the machinery of an excavator at the opencast coal workings at Lassodie yesterday. [Scotsman 11 Nov 1949]