Fife Accidents 1915-1925

This section contains newspaper reports on selected accidents in miscellaneous areas of Fife from 1915 - 1925 inclusive. Please check the indexes in the Accidents Section for reports by the Inspector of Mines and accidents in other areas.

8 January 1915

Kirkcaldy Miner Dies of Pneumonia and Widow Sues Coal Company for Compensation - Sheriff Umpherston, at Kirkcaldy yesterday, fixed proof for 2d July in an action for compensation at the instance of Mrs Annie Bollan or Hill, 27 Nicol Street, Kirkcaldy, widow of William Hill, miner, and her five children against the Fife Coal Company, Limited, owners of the Pannie Pit, Kirkcaldy. The application is for decree against the Coal Company for payment of £289 11s 8d sterling, with interest. On 24th December, 1914, deceased went to work in the Pannie Pit on the night shift, and was engaged driving an air-course from a lower level south dook section of the pit. While enlarging a hole which he had driven through to the upper level he lost his footing, and fell to the bottom of the incline, a distance of 50 feet, being drenched in water which had come through the hole from the upper level. As a result deceased was bruised and cut on the hip, sustained a severe blow on the right side of his chest, and suffered from shock. He was confined to the house until 31st December, 1914. Liability for compensation for two weeks was admitted. Pneumonia developed and deceased died on 18th January, 1915. The pursuer avers that pneumonia was attributable to the accident. The defenders aver that the pneumonia was not due to or accelerated by the accident, and call upon pursuer to state the exact type of pneumonia from which she alleges her husband died and its alleged connection with the accident. [Dundee Courier 19 June 1915]

25 June 1915

KIRKCALDY PIT ACCIDENT ENDS FATALLY. Peter Fallon, miner, Nairn Street, Kirkcaldy, has died in Kirkcaldy Hospital as the result of a fractured skull and broken ribs sustained through a fall of coal in the Pannie Pit, Kirkcaldy. [Edinburgh Evening News 26 June 1915]

17 July 1915

Leslie Miner Killed - Andrew Peters, who resided at Walketon, Leslie, was killed last night while working in the new pit, by the fall of a stone from the roof. A former ploughman, he was about 33 years of age, and leaves a wife and three young children. When killed Peters was within an hour of stopping work for the holidays. [Edinburgh Evening News 17 July 1915]

FIFE PIT FATALITY - Intimation was received in Leslie on Saturday that Andrew Peters had been instantaneously killed through a fall of stone at Kinglassie New Pit. The accident took place an hour before Peters was due to stop work for his summer holidays. Peters, who was 33 years of age, was the son of Mr James Peters, Leslie, and leaves a wife and three young children. [Dundee Courier 19 July 1915]

5 August 1915

YOUNG MAN KILLED IN KINGLASSIE PIT. - George Fernie, electrical engineer, the seventeen-year-old son of Mr Andrew Fernie, mining contractor, Kinglassie, came in contact with a live wire in Kinglassie Pit, and was killed. His heart was still beating when found, but all efforts to restore animation failed. The deepest sympathy felt for the family, which is among the most respected in the district. [Dundee Courier 7 August 1915]

George Fernie, an electrical engineer, was killed almost instantaneously in the new pit at Kinglassie Colliery through coming in contact with a live wire. His father, Mr Andrew Fernie, is a mining contractor, and was working in the same pit. [Sunday Post 8 August 1915]

6 August 1915

PROMISING KIRKCALDY OVERSMAN IS KILLED BY FALL OF STONE IN LENA PIT. - The Lena Pit of the Dunnikier Colliery was yesterday the scene a fatal accident —the victim being Peter Walker, a night oversman, who resided Muttonhall Cottages, Chapel, near Kirkcaldy. Walker, who was 26 years of age and unmarried, had just finished clearing away a fall of stone from the roof in the main haulage-way when suddenly a further fall occurred, a huge stone striking him on the head and killing him instantly. Only a day or two ago Walker gained his manager's certificate. [Dundee Courier 7 August 1915]

18 September 1915

Fatal Accident At Donibristle - Thomas Young, a pit bottomer, who resided at Dunfermline Road, Crossgates, was instantaneously killed as the result of an accident at No 12 Pit, Donibristle Colliery, on Saturday. Young was in the act of putting a hutch onto the cage at the pit bottom when through some misunderstanding the winding engine was set in motion and he was drawn up the shaft a distance of over fifty yards, and so severely crushed that death must have been instantaneous. Deceased who was about 35 years of age leaves a widow and a family of two. [Dunfermline Journal 25 September 1915]

22 October 1915

Fife Miner Killed - Robert Birrell (35), a miner employed in the Wellesley colliery, Wemyss Coal Company, was killed by a race of hutches on Friday evening. He was a native of Leven, and leaves a widow and young family. He was formerly in the Black Watch. [Scotsman 25 October 1915]

FIFE MINERS' DEATHS ARE INQUIRED INTO BY SHERIFF AND JURY AT KIRKCALDY. - Sheriff Armour Hannay and jury made inquiry Kirkcaldy into two fatal accidents. On 22d October last Robert Birrell, wheeler, of 46 Wellesley Road, Methil, was instantaneously killed in the underground workings of the Wellesley Colliery. The Sheriff pointed out, after hearing evidence, that the accident was largely due to the man's own fault. Two runaway hutches came against deceased, and crushed him. He had been seated on the wrong side of his race of hutches, and was caught by returning empty tubs. A formal verdict was returned. [Dundee Courier 30 November 1915]

2 November 1915

David Hunter, a miner’s drawer, was instantaneously killed yesterday in Leven Colliery. [Glasgow Herald 3 November 1915]

FIFE MINERS' DEATHS ARE INQUIRED INTO BY SHERIFF AND JURY AT KIRKCALDY. - Sheriff Armour Hannay and jury made inquiry Kirkcaldy into two fatal accidents. ...... The death of Andrew Clark Hunter, 200 Taylor Street, Aberhill, Methil, on 2d November, 1915, was found to be due to a fall from the roof, caused by a hutch coming against a prop supporting the girders of the roof and displacing them. His Majesty's Mines Inspector observed that the attention of the management had been drawn to the necessity of giving ample clearance between the props and travelling hutches. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence. [Dundee Courier 30 November 1915]

6 January 1916

DYSART MINER CRUSHED BY "FALL" - As the result of an accident in the underground workings of Frances Pit, Dysart Collieries, yesterday, Alexander Russell (36), a miner, sustained serious injuries. Russell had been engaged cutting out a pillar for new stables, when a heavy fall of material took place, and he was pinned down by a stone weighing about 5 cwts. After being extricated he was taken to the pithead and attended by Dr Currell, who found that his injuries were of a serious nature. Russell was later removed to Kirkcaldy Hospital. [Dundee Courier 7 January 1916]

11 January 1916

A Dysart Pitworker Killed - A lad named Vance, residing at Dovecot Crescent, Dysart, was instantaneously killed at the Randolph Pit, Dysart Collieries, yesterday afternoon. He was employed at the pithead, and had apparently been leaning over the rail at the pit mouth, looking down the shaft, when the cage descended and practically decapitated him. He was 15 years of age. [Scotsman 12 January 1916]

15 January 1916

Fatal Mining Accident in Fife - John Stevenson (17), a drawer, was killed in Earlseat mines, Wemyss Coal Company, by a fall of debris on Saturday afternoon. He was finishing work, his father having left the pit shortly before owing to illness. He resided with his father in Denbeath. [Scotsman 17 January 1916]

25 January 1916

Fatal Colliery Accident in Fife - Martin Tracey (21), miner, Preston Crescent, High Valleyfield, met with a fatal accident at the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield colliery yesterday. He was engaged uncoupling a hutch, when he was overtaken by a heavy roof fall, which occurred without warning. [Scotsman 26 January 1916]

3 February 1916

The next inquiry was in connection with the death of Andrew Peacock, miner, Main Street, Townhill, who was killed as the result of an accident in the mine belonging to the Lochside Coal and Fireclay Company Townhill. He was engaged taking out a piece of plate, which was supported with sprags, when the plate burst out and fatally injured him. [Evening Telegraph 2 March 1916]

5 February 1916

Fatal Accident At A Fife Colliery - Alexander Clunie, brusher, Reid Street, Dunfermline, was fatally injured on Saturday morning in the shaft of Dean Pit, Kingseat colliery. At one of the bottoms where the cage stopped he fell from the vehicle, which, moving away, crushed him against the side of the shaft causing injuries which proved almost instantaneously fatal. He was 31 years of age and married. [Scotsman 7 February 1916]

Neglect To Use Gates- Pit Cage Is Subject of Rider By Dunfermline Jury – At a fatal accident inquiry at Dunfermline yesterday the jury passed a rider in regard to the practice of descending a pit-shaft without the gates of the cage being in use. The case under review was that of Alexander Clunie, miner, residing at 23 Reid Street, Dunfermline, who was killed in the shaft of the Dean Colliery, Kingseat, by his head being crushed between the roof of a descending cage and the plates at a midworking. Witnesses stated that when the mid-working level had been reached Clunie changed his position on the cage in order to improve the balance, when he got jammed. It was stated that the gates of the cage had been in disrepair, and were not being used. Miners occasionally used the cage without gates, although they had no authority for doing so. To their formal verdict the jury added the rider that the accident was due to neglect to use gates upon the cage. [Dundee Courier 3 March 1916]

4 March 1916

KIRKCALDY MINER KILLED IN PIT. Alexander Purdie, a Kirkcaldy miner residing at 2 East Smeaton Street, was killed in the Pannie Pit, Kirkcaldy, on Saturday morning. He was preparing to put in action an electric coal-cutting machine, when it came back upon him, jamming his head underneath and terribly lacerating his arms. Death was instantaneous. [Dundee Courier 6 March 1916]

26 April 1916

Miner Killed at Kinglassie – Late on Wednesday evening James Beveridge, son of Mrs Robert Beveridge, High Street, Leslie, was killed instantaneously by a fall from the roof in Kinglassie pit, and two fellow workers had narrow escapes. Deceased was 36 years of age, the main support of a widowed mother, and very highly respected in the community. The body was conveyed home next morning. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 2 May 1916]

10 August 1916

Fatal Accident to a Fife Miner – William Mearns Sinclair, 52, brusher, 14 Blairhall Cottages, East Grange, died in Dunfermline & West Fife Hospital yesterday from the effects of an accident which he received in the Coltness Iron Company's Blairhall Pit on the previous day. [Scotsman 11 August 1916]

Fife Pit Accident Ends Fatally – An accident which has terminated fatally occurred in the Lady Veronica Pit, in West Fife, belonging to the Coltness Iron Company, Ltd. While William Mearns Sinclair (52) a brusher, residing at 14 Blairhall Cottage, East Grange was shovelling coal for the purpose of erecting a prop a stone weighing 3cwt. fell upon him from the roof. The accident was caused through an unseen "lipe." His workmates at once removed the stone, but it was found that he had sustained severe internal injuries. He was taken to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he died the following day. [Dundee Courier 11 August 1916]

23 November 1916

WELL-KNOWN EAST FIFE MINER KILLED. A well-known East Fife miner, John Noble, has been accidentally killed in South Africa. His widow, who resides at Crossroads, Methil, has received a cablegram from the Clydesdale Colliery, Blackhall, Transvaal, stating that Mr Noble had died on the 23d, the result of an accident. He emigrated in September last year. Thirty years of age, he leaves a widow and five children. [Dundee Courier 30 November 1916]

24 December 1916

Fatal Accident To Pit Engineer - George Spence (49), engineer, residing at Coaltown of Balgonie, has died from injuries sustained at the Julian Pit, near Thornton. Deceased had been engaged repairing a conveyor at the pithead, when his left hand was caught between the chain and the drum and drawn into the machinery. He received immediate medical attendance, but the arm was so badly injured that it had to be amputated at his house, where he has succumbed to his injuries. [Dundee Courier - Wednesday 27 December 1916]

11 January 1917

Fatal Pit Accident At Valleyfield - James Kelly, miner, lately residing at Preston Crescent, High Valleyfield was killed at work in No 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, of the Fife Coal Coy on Thursday. While he was engaged at the face a fall of stones weighing at least a ton caught him and crushed him internally. He died after being taken to the surface. His eldest son was working beside him at the time of the accident. Kelly was 52 years of age. [Dunfermline Journal 13 January 1917]

16 January 1917

Fatal Termination to Oakley Brusher's Accident - William Chapman, brusher (42), lately residing at 53 Oakley Rows, Carnock, who a week ago sustained severe internal injuries at Oakley Colliery, wrought by the Kinneddar Collieries, died on Tuesday in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. While he was in the act of brushing the roof a large stone fell upon him. [Dunfermline Journal 20 January 1917]

20 January 1917

Serious Accident to Valleyfield Miner - While James Williamson, miner, Preston Crescent, High Valleyfield, Culross, was engaged on Tuesday morning in No 1 Pit Valleyfield Colliery of the Fife Coal Coy, a fall of coal [illegible] discovered that Williamson had sustained severe injuries, which include a fractured pelvis. He was removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. His condition is regarded as critical. [Dunfermline Journal 20 January 1917]

NB James Williamson died 20 January 1917 in the Cottage Hospital, Dunfermline of a fractured pelvis

8 February 1917

Miner Killed At Blairhall Colliery - Between 5 and 6 o'clock on Thursday evening, Patrick Hughes (26), miner, lately residing at Red Row, near Newmills, was struck by a large stone which fell from the roof of the Lady Veronica Pit, Blairhall Colliery. He was working at the face at the time. His injuries proved fatal. The stone which fell weighed about a ton. [Dunfermline Journal 10 February 1917]

27 February 1917

Townhill Miner Killed - Wm. Campbell Fleming, aged 23 years, 14 Chisholm Crescent, Townhill, while at work on Monday was severely injured. Fleming, along with two other men were attending a coal cutting machine, and after the coal cutter had been started the machine swerved round the coal face, with the result that the cutting wheel came in contact with Fleming's right leg and severed it from his body, and caused other serious injuries to his abdomen. He was taken to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he was attended to by Dr Dalgliesh. His injuries being of such a serious nature, little could be done for him, and he died about 2 am the following morning. Fleming was of a quiet and modest disposition, and much sympathy is extended to his aged parents at this time. [Dunfermline Journal 3 March 1917]

18 June 1917

Overwind Accident At Lethans - Seven Miners Injured - Early on Monday morning a somewhat serious accident occurred in No 2 Pit, Lethans Colliery, belonging to the Wilsons and Clyde Coal Coy. Limited. A party of day shift men were being lowered at the time. An overwind occurred with the result that the descending cage struck the bottom with great force, and seven men were injured, viz. - William Simpson (57) miner, Woodside Terrace, Steelend, right leg fractured at the knee; James Torley (19) miner, Woodside Terrace, Steelend, left knee dislocated; John M'Ghie (24) miner, Woodside Terrace, Steelend, both knees staved; Thomas Peggie (35) miner, Deanside, Saline, left knee staved; Robert Clemenson (44) pit inspector, Saline, left knee staved; Andrew Cunningham (19), drawer, Loch Road, Saline, right knee staved; George Moultrie (19) drawer, Preston Place, Saline, right knee staved. After the accident Dr Zuill, Oakley, was summoned and having attended to the men's injuries he ordered Simpson to be removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. The others were conveyed home. The cause of the overwind is not known. It is supposed to have been due to grease accumulating on the brakes. The cage was the sixth which had been lowered that morning, and nothing untoward had happened previously. The engineman on duty at the time of the accident was John Coulen, jun., Woodside Terrace, Steelend. After the occurrence Coulen's father took charge of the engines and they worked all right. [Dunfermline Journal 23 June 1917]

27 October 1917

FATAL ACCIDENT AT LEVEN COLLIERY- A fatal accident occurred on Saturday in Leven Colliery, belonging to the Fife Coal Company. While James Livingston, brusher, North Street, Leven, was engaged at work a stone came away from the roof and struck him on the temple, causing instantaneous death. A lad named Drummond, living at South Street, Innerleven, Methil, was pinned by the fall, and had a narrow escape with his life. His legs were badly bruised and he was conveyed to the Wemyss Memorial Hospital. Livingstone, who was 37 years of age, was on active service two years in France, and about year ago was invalided home. A native of Kirkcaldy, he leaves a widow and four children. [Dundee Courier 29 October 1917]

11 June 1918

George Cairns (46), miner, 28 Blairhall Village, was killed by a fall of stone in the Lady Veronica Pit, Blairhall colliery. [Scotsman 15 June 1918]

10 July 1918

Blairhall Miner Killed - A [fall] of coal in the Dumbrae seam of the Lord Bruce Pit of Blairhall Colliery was responsible for the death on Wednesday of James McDougall (36), miner, residing in the Coltness Iron Company Village. McDougall was working at the face when the coal came away, injuring him severely about the head and face. He died a few minutes later. [Dunfermline Journal 13 July 1918]

25 September 1918

Fatal Accident At Blairhall Colliery - John White (56) pit roadsman, lately residing at The Potteries, Clackmannan, was killed by a runaway hutch in the Lord Bruce Pit in Blairhall Colliery on Wednesday morning. [Dunfermline Journal 28 September 1918]

11 October 1918

SAD FATALITY AT BUCKHAVEN. A distressing fatal accident occurred yesterday the Wemyss Coal Company's sawmill, Muiredge Colliery, Buckhaven. The victim was John Horne, a lad of about fourteen years of age, son of the late Gunner John Horne, R.F.A., and Mrs Horne, South Street, Leven. He was severely crushed by a tree which fell upon him, and was removed to Wemyss Memorial Hospital, dying shortly after his admission to the institution. [Dundee Courier 12 October 1918]

23 December 1918

James Muir (14), pit-boy, residing at 63 Nether Street, Kirkcaldy, died in Kirkcaldy Hospital from injuries sustained through being crushed by a fall of coal in the Lady Blanche Pit, Dysart. [Scotsman 25 December 1918]

25 December 1918

Nathaniel Bond (42), miner, has died in Wemyss Memorial Hospital as the result of injuries sustained by a fall from the roof in Earlseat Mines. His widow and six children reside at Milton of Balgonie. [Dundee Courier 25 December 1918]

6 January 1919

Robert Lawrie (38), miner,18 Rosslyn Street, Kirkcaldy, has died in Kirkcaldy Hospital from injuries sustained while at work in Dubbie Pit, Dysart Colliery. He had been engaged in the shaft assisting to repair the pumping rods when a large stone crashed on to the roof of the cage on which Lawrie was standing. The stone did not puncture the roof of the cage, but it made a dent about two inches deep. Lawrie must have been standing with his head close to the roof of the cage, as he received a punctured wound on the top of the head. [Scotsman 8 January 1919]

14 January 1919

Explosion at a Fifeshire Colliery - James M'Ewan, pit fireman; Alexander Wright and John Henderson, brushers, the two first named residing at Blairhall village, and the third at Culross, were admitted to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital yesterday suffering from injuries received by an explosion of fire-damp at Blairhall colliery, Coltness Iron Company (Limited.). The men were engaged in the Lochgelly splint seam. Following the firing of a shot with the object of bringing down the brushing, there was a loud explosion. M'Ewan and Wright were scorched about the hands and faces. Henderson, in addition to being burned about the hands, face, and neck, showed symptoms of having inhaled a quantity of the ignited gas. Last evening the condition of the men was reported to be critical The cause of the accident has not been established. [Scotsman 15 January 1919]

NB Alexander Wright died January 20 1919

18 March 1919

FATAL ACCIDENT TO MARKINCH MINER - A distressing accident occurred at Balgonie Pit, belonging to the Balgonie Colliery Company, resulting in the death of John Burns (30), miner, who resided at Stob Cross Road, Markinch. A heavy fall of coal took place, and Burns was struck on the head, death being practically instantaneous. He leaves a widow and  two children. [Dundee Courier 19 March 1919]

28 March 1919

Tail Runner's Death - The third [Fatal Accident Inquiry at Dunfermline Sheriff Court] related to the death of Jas. Beveridge, tail runner, lately residing at North End, Crossgates, who died on 28th March in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, from injuries received on 4th March in the William Pit, of Fordell Colliery, by being crushed between an ascending race of hutches and the side of a dook. Michael Johnstone, 22, motorman, School House, Fordell, deponed that deceased had been going up the Glassee dook of the William Pit, and as his lamp went out he was left in the dark and was caught by the up-going race of hutches. There had been no tail-runner employed in the dook since the accident. The dook was nearly worked out. James Beveridge, 34, fireman, North End, Crossgates, an uncle of the deceased, and employed in the William Pit, corroborated this evidence, and said that deceased had told him that he was walking in front of the race of hutches. William Johnstone (46) under manager at the William Pit, residing at Old School House, Fordell, also stated that since the accident no tail-runner had been employed in the Glassee dook. The Procurator-Fiscal said that if that system had been in force on 4th March, Beveridge would not have been killed. The system prior to the accident was unsatisfactory, and it was quite obvious there were alternatives which might have adopted, and had they been adopted the accident would not have occurred. Mr J M Davidson [solicitor for the coal owners] pointed out that while there was no question that travelling on the hutches in dooks was permissible by the Coal Mines Act, the roof in this particular instance was too low to permit of that being done with safety. To go behind the race of hutches was to step into a death trap. The Sheriff addressing the jury said they had got to consider whether a different practice might not have prevented this accident. At the time the accident happened, there was no reason whatever why the practice which was adopted immediately after was not in use. The jury agreed to add to their formal verdict that it would be much better for the men to go up the dook before belling away the race. [Dunfermline Journal 24 May 1919]

29 March 1919

Serious Accident To Methil Joiner - A serious accident befell David Young, joiner, residing at Innerleven, Methil, on Saturday at the Leven Colliery of the Fife Coal Company. During shunting operations a loaded waggon became derailed, and a large piece of coal was thrown from the waggon and struck Young on the head, causing such severe injuries that he had to be motored to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. [Dundee Courier 31 March 1919]

11 April 1919

WELL KNOWN FIFE BIRD FANCIER KILLED PIT ACCIDENT. A fatal accident occurred at Earlseat Mines, the victim being Thomas Spence who was instantaneously killed by a heavy fall of coal from the face. Mr Spence resided at Denbeath, Methil, and was well known as an expert ornithologist and successful exhibitor of canaries of the fancy Border class, winning numerous prizes at the various shows throughout the country. He was between 40 and 50 years of age, and leaves a widow and family. [Dundee Courier 14 April 1919]

6 June 1919

Demobilised Soldier Killed in Fife Pit accident - James Faichney, jun., miner, Stirling Street, Tillicoultry, was killed in the five-feet seam of the Lord Bruce pit, Blairhall colliery. He was clearing away, a fall of redd when a second fall took place. An hour and a half elapsed before the body was recovered. It was Faichney's first day in the pit after demobilisation from the Army. He had been a prisoner of war. [Scotsman 12 June 1919]

Fife Miner Killed - On the first day of his return to the mines after demobilisation, Jas. Faichney, a miner of 25 years of age, has been killed by a fall in Lord Bruce Pit, Blairhall Colliery, near Dunfermline. Faichney had been at work repairing a roadway where a fall had occurred, when the roof again gave way. He was buried and crushed, and when extricated, after and hour and a half of hard work on the part of his comrades, he was found to be dead. Deceased, whose whom is in Tillicoultry, was married 18 months ago. Returning to France after the ceremony he was taken prisoner by the Germans. The fatality occurred the first day he went below. [Dunfermline Journal 14 June 1919]

27 June 1919

A large representation of members of Lodge “Rothes” Leslie and St Fothad’s Auchterderran, attended the funeral of Bro James Drummond Page to Kinglassie Cemetery. Mr Page was accidentally killed at Kinglassie Colliery. [Evening Telegraph 1 July 1919]

29 August 1919

Fife Miner Asphyxiated - A distressing accident took place yesterday at the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield colliery, resulting in the death from asphyxiation of Alexander Gordon, miner, Main Street. Lowvalleyfield , and, the narrow escape of an elder brother, Joseph Gordon, miner, residing at the same address. In search of nails, Alexander entered a heading which had been closed. He was absent for some time, and his brother went in search of him, finding him unconscious. Joseph also collapsed. A search party found the brothers together, both unconscious. Under treatment Joseph recovered, but the other succumbed. [Scotsman 30 August 1919]

Miner Suffocated - Alexander Gordon (28), miner, who resided in Main Street, Low Valleyfield, met his death by suffocation in Valleyfield Colliery on Friday morning. Gordon went in search of nails and entered one of the headings which had been shit off for some time. His brother, Joseph Gordon, missed him a little later and found him prostrated, and he also collapsed. Other workmen volunteered assistance and ultimately got both men out from amongst the deadly gas to the main road. At the pithead Joseph recovered, but Alexander was beyond all aid. The others of the rescue party were considerably affected by the foul air. [Dunfermline Journal 30 August 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 the second case, where the Fife Coal Co. were again the appellants, Alexander Gordon, Low Torrie, Newmills, on 28th August 1919, went in search of lattice nails to a portion of the heading above the level where he was working, and which had been fenced off for five weeks prior to the accident. He was overcome by gas, and died before he was rescued. Sheriff-Substitute Umpherston found that Gordon broke the regulations by entering the danger zone, but did not find that Gordon did so in the interests of the employers. He also found that Gordon knew where nails could be obtained without incurring the risk of entering a gas-infected zone. The First Division, in making an award in favour of Gordon's mother and sister, decided the case on the assumption that Gordon broke the regulations in the interests of the Coal Company. The House of Lords yesterday allowed the appeal of the employers in all three cases. [Scotsman 18 December 1920]

2 September 1919

Fatal Pit Accident at Lumphinnans – A miner named John Colville, who resided at 33 James Street, Dunfermline, was killed and a young man named Thomas Canavan, School Street, Cowdenbeath, was badly injured about the face, by a shot going off prematurely in the five feet seam of No 1 Pit Lumphinnans, yesterday. Colville was married. [Scotsman 3 September 1919]

5 September 1919

Wemyss Miner Killed - George Sinclair labourer, residing at 146 Den Road Kirkcaldy, was accidentally killed at Wemyss Colliery yesterday. While shunting was being carried on at the pithead, Sinclair was knocked down by one of the waggons, which passed over him, partially severing his head from his body. Deceased was about 50 years of age, and unmarried. [Scotsman 6 September 1919]

10 November 1919

Fatality At Blairhall Colliery - James Gannon (64), labourer, lately residing at Torry Workmen's House, Newmills, met with a fatal accident at Blairhall Colliery on Monday forenoon. Gannon had come to the Colliery in search of work, and, being unaccustomed to the workings, had gone on to the railway at the siding. He was knocked down by an engine and killed instantaneously. [Dunfermline Journal 15 November 1919]

8 January 1920

Alexander Wallace (15), pithead worker, 20 Overton Road, Kirkcaldy, has died in Kirkcaldy Hospital as the result of injuries sustained the Pannie Pit, Dunnikier Colliery. He was removing a waggon from the cage at the pithead when he was jammed between the scaffold and the shaft, receiving fatal internal injuries. [Dundee Courier 10 January 1920]

12 March 1920

Fatal Mining Accident At Methil – As he finished work in the Lochhead Pit, Wemyss Coal Company, on Friday night, Thomas Buist, Aberhill, Methil, was caught by a fall of coal and killed. He was 27 years of age and leaves a widow and child. [Scotsman 15 March 1920]

30 May 1920

Fife Miner Killed - John Clark, miner, residing at 3 Hendry's Wynd, Kirkcaldy, has died in Kirkcaldy Hospital as the result of injuries to his head and arm, caused in the course of his employment by a fall of stone from the roof in Randolph Pit, Dysart. [Scotsman 1 June 1920]

13 June 1920

Fatality At Blairhall Colliery - Peter Armour (23), a repairer residing at Main Street, Low Torry, met with a fatal accident at Blairhall Colliery on Monday. About 2am he had been employed at No 4 [illegible], Lord Bruce Pit of the colliery, when a quantity of stone fell upon him from the roof, fracturing his skull. Death was almost instantaneous, the body being examined at the Colliery by Dr Henderson. [Dunfermline Journal 19 June 1920]

6 November 1920

Townhill - Accident To Local J.P. - An unfortunate accident befell Mr George Izatt, the popular Townhill Justice of Peace, on Saturday last. While at work in Townhill Colliery a fall of stone from the roof caught him on the right shoulder, then fell on his right boot, crushing both severely. He was speedily conveyed home where Mr Alex. Malcolm rendered first aid, pending the arrival of the doctor. [Dunfermline Journal 13 November 1920]

8 November 1920

FALL OF STONE IN FIFE PIT - KIRKCALDY LAD FATALLY INJURED. A fall of stone at the Dubbie Pit, Earl Rosslyn's colliery, Dysart, about three o'clock yesterday afternoon resulted in the death of a miner, 25 years of age, named Robert Gillespie, residing with his parents at 157 High Street, Kirkcaldy. The deceased miner was working at the coal face with no other miners in the near vicinity when the fall occurred. Death was instantaneous, the weight of the debris fracturing the unfortunate man's neck. A pathetic feature of the accident is the fact that Gillespie was the only son of a large family. [Dundee Courier 9 November 1920]

7 December 1920

Townhill - Accident - While at work at No 7 Pit Townhill, on Tuesday, Hugh Stevens, miner, residing at Co-operative Buildings, had his foot severely crushed by a large stone falling from the roof. He was immediately conveyed home and medically attended to. Mr Stevens is well known in billiard circles about the district, being the winner of the New Cup last year, and it is hoped that his accident will not prevent him entering the competition this year again. [Dunfermline Journal 11 December 1920]

10 December 1920

FIFE MINER'S INJURIES PROVE FATAL - SEQUEL TO PIT EXPLOSION. A miner, named Peter Gardiner (45), in lodgings at Rosslyn Street, Kirkcaldy, admitted to Kirkcaldy Hospital Monday evening suffering from burns sustained through an explosion in the Pannie Pit, Dunnikier Colliery, succumbed to his injuries last night. Deceased, who hailed from Cowdenbeath district, recently came to the town from England, where he had been employed. [Dundee Courier 11 December 1920]

20 January 1921

Pit Explosion – Six Men Injured Near Dunfermline – Kinnear [sic] colliery, near Dunfermline, owned by the Oakley Collieries (Ltd.), was the scene of an alarming accident yesterday. As a result six men were injured. Their names are William Stobie, a married man, residing at Milesmark, Dunfermline; James M'Neil, married, residing at Comrie village, Oakley; Alexander Love, married, Oakley: Hugh Love, unmarried, his son; Robert Mitchell, Milesmark ; and Adam Pollock, Oakley. The men were engaged in the five-feet seam, where naked lights are in use, when there was an unexpected ignition of gas. All the men received burns of a serious nature. Assistance was quickly forthcoming, and the men were conveyed to the pithead, where they were medically attended to. Stobie and M'Neil were in a critical condition, and were conveyed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. Mitchell and Pollock were taken to their homes [Scotsman 21 January 1921]

NB William Stobie died January 22 1921

22 February 1921

Leven Colliery Mishap - At Fife Coal Company's Leven Colliery on Tuesday, a section of the overhead gangway suddenly collapsed and two hutches and four men were precipitated to the ground, a drop of 12 to 15 feet. All the men were more or less injured. Their names are James Pentland, James Hart, Thomas Quinn and Thomas Blow all residing in Leven. They were admitted to Wemyss Hospital. [Dunfermline Journal 26 February 1921]

19 March 1921

Wemyss Miner's Fatal Injuries - John Black, miner, West Wemyss, died in the Wemyss Memorial Hospital on Saturday as the result of injuries sustained in the Victoria Pit of the Wemyss Coal Company on Tuesday. He was caught between two hutches, and sustained internal injuries. Black was 38 years of age and unmarried. [Scotsman 21 March 1921]

7 June 1921

Man Drowned At Kinglassie - Thomas Duncan, iron turner, 52 Harcourt Road, Kirkcaldy, was accidentally drowned at the pit at Kinglassie, while repairing the shaft. Duncan had apparently overbalanced from the cage, and fallen down the shaft. As there was a considerable amount of water in the pit, Duncan was drowned. The deceased, aged 40, leaves a widow and four children. [Dunfermline Journal 11 June 1921]

26 August 1921

Fatal Accident in Fife Pit - Yesterday morning Daniel Banks (15), drawer, son of George Banks, miner, Dundonald Terrace, Lowvalleyfield, was accidentally killed in the Fife Coal Company's No. 2 Pit, Valleyfield colliery. He was crushed between a moving hutch and the end of a bench at which he was working. The boy's father was an eyewitness of the accident [Scotsman 27 August 1921]

Valleyfield Colliery Fatality - Boy Killed Before Eyes of His Father - A distressing accident occurred yesterday morning at Low Valleyfield Colliery, No 2 Pit, when a youth of 15 was killed before the eyes of his father. Daniel Banks was drawing for his father, George Banks, 19 Dundonald Terrace, Low Valleyfield in No 1 bench, Cowan's Brae, when he was caught between a hutch and the end of the bench. He was crushed so badly that he died immediately afterwards. [Dunfermline Journal 27 August 1921]

13 September 1921

Mining Fatality At Leven - While attending to a fall of coal and redd in Leven No 1 Pit, George Black, Buchlyvie Terrace, Leven, was struck on the head by a large stone, and so severely injured that he died on Tuesday morning in Wemyss Hospital. He was 52 years of age. Mr Black was an active member of Largo Bay Yacht Club, and for long a prominent Templar. [Dunfermline Journal 17 September 1921]

4 October 1921

Fatal Accident At A Fife Colliery - George Marshall (40), a shanksman, who resided the The Shore, Kincardine-on-Forth, was killed at Blairhall colliery, near Dunfermline, about four o'clock yesterday morning. While engaged in repairing the shaft in Lady Veronica Pit he failed to observe that the cage was being lowered, the result being that he was hit on the head and knocked into the sump and killed instantaneously. The sump contained about twenty feet of water and mud. [Scotsman 5 October 1921]

Sequel To Fatal Colliery Accident – The sequel to the death of a shaftsman in Blairhall Colliery of the Coltness Iron Coy., was heard in Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Thursday when John M'Ewan, engineman, Low Causeway, Torryburn, pleaded not guilty to having contravened the coal mines Act by neglecting to attend properly to a signal he had received. Accused was represented by Mr John Cassells, solicitor, Hamilton, agent for the Scottish Colliery Enginemen and Boilermen's Association. After a lengthy proof, Mr Cassells, for accused, declared that it would be a terrible thing for M'Ewan to go through life with the knowledge and belief that anything he had done had brought about the death of this man. Sheriff Umperston, finding the charge proved, said it was undoubtedly a very serious case for the accused, but, on the other hand, it was a very very serious charge, looking to the responsible position which accused occupied, having almost in his trust so much of the safety of the other men down in the pit. A fine of £5 with the option of two months' imprisonment was imposed. [Hamilton Advertiser 21 January 1922]

14 October 1921

Fatal Accident In Fife Pit - A fatal accident took place last night in the Wellesley Pit, Denbeath, owned by the Wemyss Coal Company. David Hogg, North Bridge Buildings, Aberhill, Methil, and His son were at work on a 10-foot seam when the coal burst on the top of them. The father managed to jump clear, but his son Andrew, aged 19 years was overwhelmed and died soon after being extricated. Hogg, who was slightly injured, was able to proceed home. [Scotsman 15 October 1921]

24 October 1921

Pit Accident at Kirkcaldy - Man Killed, Another Injured - An accident occurred at Pannie Pit, Kirkcaldy, yesterday, resulting in the death of one of the employees and severe injury to another. While four men were engaged in repairing the shafting supporting the roof of one of the cuttings two of the beams gave way, crushing two of the workers underneath. Help was at once forthcoming, when it was discovered that in the case of Robert Traill, ,7 Orchard Lane, Dysart, the accident had proved fatal. The other man, George Burt, 36 Viceroy Street, Kirkcaldy, was found to be badly crushed, and was immediately removed to hospital. Traill was about 46 years of age, and leaves a widow, and five of a family. [Scotsman 25 October 1921]

14 November 1921

Steelend Miner's Tragic Death - Miner Killed At Working Place - The body of David Johnston (31), a miner, who resided at 5 Valley Place Steelend, was found on Monday evening, pinned beneath a [illeg] in the five feet seam of No 2 Pit, [Lethans] Colliery of the Wilson & Clyde Coal Company. The discovery was made shortly before half past [illeg] o'clock, the body of the unfortunate man [illeg] severely bruised, being found at the [illeg] of his working place. It was apparent he had been dead for some time. No one witnessed the accident, and the exact [cause is] unknown. [Dunfermline Journal 19 November 1921]

15 November 1921

Fatal Fife Mining Accident - A fatal accident occurred yesterday at the Wellesley colliery of the Wemyss Coal Company, Denbeath. The men attending a coal-cutting ;machine had occasion to swing it round to a fresh part of the face when John-Cooper (25) was struck by the bar, and sustained injuries to which he succumbed later in the day in the Hospital. Cooper was unmarried, the son of Mr. W .Cooper Buckhaven. [Scotsman 16 November 1921]

Fatality At Denbeath - John Cooper (26), Erskine Street, Buckhaven, while at work in Wellesley Colliery, Denbeath, was caught with the bar of a coal-cutting machine and sustained such injuries that he died in Wemyss Memorial Hospital shortly after his admission. [Dunfermline Journal 19 November 1921]

21 January 1922

Crossgates Miner Killed - Thomas Cowan (23), who resided at Back Street, Crossgates, was accidentally killed in the Alice Pit, Fordell Colliery, on Saturday. He leaves a widow and child. [Scotsman 23 January 1922]

24 February 1922

Fatal Sequel To Fife Mining Accident - Robert M'Knight (39), residing at Jordan Terrace, Methil, has died in Wemyss Hospital as the result of an accident in Leven No. 4 pit in November. He was struck in the back by a stone from the roof and sustained injury to the spine. He was a native of Denny, and leaves a widow and five children. [Scotsman 1 March 1922]

15 February 1922

Fatal Accident At Fife Colliery - James Greig (18), son of Mr David Greig, Durie Broom, Leven, was yesterday fatally injured by a hutch, in the Wellesley Colliery of the Wemyss Coal Company. He was employed as a drawer, and had just recently restarted work. [Scotsman 16 February 1922]

7 July 1922

Miner Killed in Fife Pit - John Gilmour (58), who resides in Methil, was killed by a fall from the roof in the Wellesley Colliery of the Wemyss Coal Company yesterday. He was buried under some 40 tons of redd, and death was instantaneous. He leaves a widow and grown-up family. [Scotsman 8 July 1922]

15 September 1922

Fifeshire Pit accidents - A fatal accident occurred at No. 2 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, early yesterday morning. Daniel M'Quade (20), a machineman, was at work at the coal face, when about two tons of material fell upon him , fracturing his skull and killing him instantaneously. He had been residing in lodgings at 37 Dundonald Terrace , Lowvalleyfield. He belonged to Lochgelly.

William Gray, 58 years of age, a miner residing at Button's Buildings, Torryburn, was admitted to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital yesterday morning suffering from serious injuries received through an accident at Lady Veronica Pit, Blairhall colliery. He was at work at the coal face in the Lochgelly Seam when a stone weighing about 6 cwts. fell upon him from the roof , fracturing his skull and left leg. [Scotsman 16 September 1922]

8 December 1922

Ex-Navyman's Death In Fife Pit – While working in the Michael Colliery of the Wemyss Coal Co, yesterday morning, Edward Hall, 52, Bruce Terrace, Leven, was caught by the bar of the coal cutting machine, and killed almost instantly. He was a native of Cornwall, and served for over 20 years in the Navy. He rejoined in 1914, and was on board HMS Majestic when the ship was torpedoed. [Scotsman 9 December 1922]

10 February 1923

Fordell - Miner Injured - A miner named Denholm, living at the Square, Fordell, while at work in the Alice Pit, Fordell Colliery, belonging to the Countess of Buckinghamshire, had one of his legs badly crushed, and had to be removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. [Dunfermline Journal 10 February 1923]

11 February 1923

Fatality At Donibristle Colliery - Pony Keeper's Death - George Duncan, about 60 years of age, who was employed as pony-keeper at the Donibristle Pit, met his death last Sunday morning in a shocking manner, and under strange circumstances. Duncan, who had been at the colliery for over 30 years, looked after the pit ponies at the weekend year in and year out with unfailing regularity. In fact, the care of the ponies seems to have been almost a hobby with him. On Sunday morning he descended the James Pit as usual about 10 o'clock and was taken to the mid-bottom where there were three ponies. When he got off the cage, he signalled that all was clear. A few minutes later the engineman was asked to lower men from the pithead, and for that purpose he raise the other cage to the pithead an thus lowered the cage which Duncan had left from mid-bottom to bottom. Shortly after the cage arrived there, the bottomer, Charles Fraser, heard someone moaning. On looking up he saw Duncan lying across the bars of the cage in line with the hand rail. To his horror, the cage commenced to ascend. He rushed to ring the bell to stop it, but he was too late, and the cage had ascended several yards up the pit before he could let the engineman at the pithead understand that something was wrong and that the cage must be stopped. During these few seconds Duncan was caught between the side of the shaft and the cage, and his body fell to the cage seat. Death was practically instantaneous. Duncan, who was a favourite with all the workmen and management will be sadly missed. He was a ploughman in his younger days at the farms of Bankhead and Beverkae, near Cowdenbeath. He leaves a widow and six of a family, nearly all of whom are grown-up. How Duncan came to be lying across the bars at the top of the cage has yet to be explained. [Dunfermline Journal 17 February 1923]

11 March 1923

Accident - Mr Samuel Wright met with a rather serious injury to one of his fingers while at work in Dalbeath Colliery last Friday. [Dunfermline Journal 17 March 1923]

23 March 1923

Miner Fatally Crushed At Dysart - As the result of an accident yesterday afternoon at the Randolph Colliery, Dysart, James Cunningham, miner (46), lost his life. He was crushed between tubs. He resided at 57 Edward Street and was a married man. [Scotsman 24 March 1923]

Fatality in Dysart Pit - James Cunningham (36), a miner, was at work in Randolph Colliery, Dysart, last Friday, when he was crushed between two tubs and killed. He resided at 57 Edward Street, Boreland, and was married. [Dunfermline Journal 31 March 1923]

11 August 1923

Miner Injured - A young miner named Russell, son of John Russell, Crossgates, was injured while working with his father at the coal cutting machine in the Alice Pit. His face came accidentally in contact with a pick, inflicting a bad wound above his left eye. He was taken home and attended to by Dr L Rifkind. [Dunfermline Journal 11 August 1923]

4 September 1923

Dunfermline Miner Killed At Pithead - A fatal accident occurred yesterday forenoon at the pithead of the Wallace Pit, Dean colliery, Kingseat, near Dunfermline. The victim was Alexander Drummond, who was in the act of repairing a cage. The cage was about to descend, when he was accidentally caught by the safety apparatus on the side , which fell upon his neck, causing instantaneous death. Drummond was between 50 and 60 years of age, was married, and resided at 127 Pittencrieff Street, Dunfermline. [Scotsman 5 September 1923]

8 September 1923

Fatal Accident at Leven Colliery - Robert Drysdale (50), shunter, Fife Coal Company, was fatally injured at Leven colliery on Saturday afternoon. He was assisting in shunting operations , and was seated on the engine buffer, when he was thrown off by a jolt. He fell in front of the waggons, which passed over his shoulder. He succumbed shortly after. Drysdale resided at Methilhill, and leaves a widow and family. [Scotsman 10 September 1923]

19 September 1923

Fatal Result of Fife Pit accident - Thomas Michie, miner, Mayflower Street, Townhill, Dunfermline, died yesterday from the effects of an accident which occurred at Townhill colliery on Tuesday. While he was engaged at his working face, a stone, weighing about two tons, fell without warning from the roof, striking him on the head. Deceased, who was thirty years of age, was married [Scotsman 20 September 1923]

4 October 1923

Fatal Accident in Pit at Dysart - James Wallace, 50 years of age, unmarried, residing at 92 Rosslyn Street, Gallatown, yesterday met his death as a result of an accident in Randolph Pit, Dysart. He is understood to have been engaged in taking hutches from the cage, when it suddenly descended. He was struck on the head and crushed. [Scotsman 5 October 1923]

15 October 1923

Miner Killed in a Windygates Pit - Yesterday forenoon as the fireman was making his rounds in the Isabella Pit, Windygates, belonging to the Fife Coal Co., he discovered that a heavy-fall of stone had taken place in a new road. Projecting from the debris was the hand and arm of a miner. Help was secured, and in a short time Thomas Rattray, Station-Road, Windygates, was extricated. He was badly cut about the head and legs, but was able to explain that while seated having food along with Walter Fairgrieve, they were overwhelmed by a heavy fall of stone. Three hours later the body of Fairgrieve was extricated. He had met instant death. Fairgrieve was 50 years of age, and leaves a widow and children. He resided at Methilhill. [Scotsman 16 October 1923]

27 October 1923

Fatal Pit Accident - Christopher Muir (65), residing at Townhill Road, was fatally injured in the pit of Messrs The Lochside Coal and Fire clay Company, Limited, at Townhill, on Saturday. Employed as an inspector, he had just finished his work for the day when, proceeding along a roadway, he slipped, and fell in front of a rake of loaded hutches, one of which was overturned and fell upon him. [Scotsman 29 October 1923]

2 December 1923

Torryburn Miner Succumbs To Injuries - In Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital last night Thomas Bond, Main Street, Torryburn, succumbed to injuries which he sustained in an accident in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, on Friday: He was engaged at his work, at the foot of a brae when a heavy coil of wire rope ran over the brae and caught him before he could get clear. His skull was fractured. He was 32 years of age. [Scotsman 3 December 1923]

29 December 1923

Mining Accidents - James Templeton, Leven, working in the Wellesley Colliery, was caught in a coal cutter by the leg. Three toes were injured so badly that they had to be amputated. One of his legs was also crushed. John Adam, Leven, was caught by a burst of coal from the face, and sustained a broken leg. [Dunfermline Journal 29 December 1923]

7 February 1924

Fife Miner Killed - Wm. Marshall, who resided at Main Street, West Wemyss, a man of about 30 years of age, was killed yesterday, while at work in the Victoria Pit, West Wemyss. Marshall was completely buried by a fall of coal from the roof, and when he was extricated life was found to be extinct. He was a married man, with three of a family. [Scotsman 8 February 1924]

25 April 1924

Fatal Colliery Explosion - Andrew Malcolm, Ness View, Newmills, died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital yesterday from the effects of an explosion of dust at the Coltness Iron Company's Blairhall colliery on Wednesday. He was employed as a fireman and shot-firer, Malcolm was 35 years of age, and married. [Scotsman 26 April 1924]

Sequel to Mining Accident - Low Valleyfield Miner Dies in Hospital - Andrew Malcolm, who resided at Forth View Cottages, Low Valleyfield died yesterday in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital as the result of injuries sustained in a mining accident in the Lord Bruce Pit. On Wednesday, Malcolm, who was a shot firer, was at work when a gas explosion took place. It was at first though that he would recover, but his condition grew worse and at midday he died. Malcolm was 22 years of age. [Dunfermline Journal 26 April 1924]

19 November 1924

Dysart Miner Killed - Alex. M'Kay, miner, residing at 17 The Braes, Dysart, was accidentally killed in the Lady Blanche Pit (Dysart) of the Fife Coal Co. yesterday as the result, it is believed, of a fall of roof. The deceased was fifty years of age, and leaves a widow and grown-up family. [Scotsman 20 November 1924]

6 December 1924

Fatal Accident To Fife Miner - As the result of injuries received in an accident at Muircockhall colliery, Charles Finlay (60), miner, 99 Main Street, Townhill, near Dunfermline, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Saturday morning. He was working in the fourteen feet section, and was engaged in taking down head coal, when there was a fall of coal from the roof. His skull was fractured and several ribs broken. [Scotsman 8 December 1924]

Muircockhall Colliery Fatality – Townhill Man Dies in Hospital – Charles Finlay, 60, miner who resided at 99 Street, Townhill, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital last Saturday forenoon as a result of injuries he sustained while at work in Muircockhall Colliery earlier in the morning. The accident was not witnessed by anyone, but it is believed that while Finlay was working in the fourteen foot seam taking down head coal, a piece fell from the roof. His son who was working as his drawer, returned with an empty hutch after the accident had happened and found his father lying unconscious. It was found that his skull was fractured and several ribs broken. Finlay never regained consciousness. [Dunfermline Journal 13 December 1924]

17 December 1924

Valleyfield Miner Killed – Buried Beneath Fall From Roof – Donald Malcolmson, 54. a miner residing at Jessamine Cottages, Low Valleyfield was killed on Wednesday night at the Lord Bruce Pit Colliery, by a fall of material from the roof. He was buried beneath 20 tons of debris, and it was only after 5 hours of strenuous effort that the body was recovered. The accident was witnessed by three other mean – Mr Brown, fireman, Mr Andrew Harrower, Torryburn, and Mr Jas. Brown, a miner, all of whom narrowly escaped Malcolmson's fate. Malcolmson was a single man, and lived with a niece at Low Valleyfield. He had been employed at Blairhall Colliery for 28 years and had a reputation as a skilled and careful workman. [Dunfermline Journal 20 December 1924]

27 December 1924

Donibristle Colliery Accident – Peter Allan, 31, a brusher, had a narrow escape from death while he was working in No 2 heading of the Diamond section of the Mary Pit at Donibristle Colliery. He was engaged in making a new road, when a large stone fell from the roof, and pinned him to the pavement. It took a number of men to remove the stone from him, when it was found he was severely bruised. He was conveyed to his home at 46 Thistle Street, Dunfermline, in an ambulance. [Dunfermline Journal 27 December 1924]

2 January 1925

Two accidents in Kirkcaldy had a fatal termination in Kirkcaldy Hospital yesterday, John Methven, miner, 7 Cairns Street, and Millie Peggie, 25 Williamson's Place, Galatown, succumbing to injuries received. Methven was employed as a brusher in Pannie Pit, when a fall from the roof, pinned him to the ground. Several of his workmates immediately went to his assistance, and extricated him from the debris, but he had been severely injured about the spine, and bruised all over the body. Methven leaves a widow and a family of six. [The Scotsman 3 January 1925]

Kirkcaldy Miner Injured – John Methven, miner, 7 Cairn Street Kirkcaldy, is at present lying in Kirkcaldy Hospital in a critical condition as the result of an accident which occurred in the Pannie Pit of Dunnikier Colliery, where he was employed as a brusher, when a fall from the roof pinned him to the ground. Several of his workmates immediately went to his assistance, and with considerable difficulty extricated him from the debris. He was removed to the hospital where it was found he had sustained severe injury to the spine and bruises all over the body. Methven is a married man with six of a family. [Dunfermline Journal 27 December 1924]

14 January 1925

Buckhaven Mining Fatality – Work on the night shift at Muiredge Colliery was abandoned on Wednesday owing to the death of a pit bottomer, Colin Simon. Simon was loading the cage with hutches when he was struck by a hutch and knocked into the foot of the shaft, three hutches falling over after him. Fifty-seven years of age, Mr Simon leaves a widow and four of a family. [Dunfermline Journal 17 January 1925]

9 February 1925

Six Inquiries At Dunfermline - Chronic heart disease was stated by Dr Robertson, Dunfermline, to be the cause of death of George Whyte, miner, lately residing at East End, Main Street, Culross, who died on 9th February in No 1 Pit of Valleyfield Colliery. A formal verdict was returned. [Dunfermline Journal 14 March 1925]

21 March 1925

Fatal Accident at Fife Colliery - An accident resulting in the death of Samuel Anstis (15), pithead worker, a son of Alfred Anstis, 8 Main Road, Crombie, occurred at Valleyfield Colliery on Saturday. While at work at the pithead the lad fell through a fence at the side of a creeper road to the ground below, a distance of approximately 20 feet. He received severe injuries to the head, and succumbed while being conveyed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. [The Scotsman 23 March 1925]

Defective Pit Fencing – Young Collier's Death - The circumstances of a fatal accident at the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery were investigated at Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday. The victim was a boy of 15, Samuel John Anstis, who was employed as a pithead worker, and who was fatally injured by falling from a scaffold at the screening plant. It was elicited that deceased slipped on the scaffold and fell through an aperture in the fencing from which the middle spar was amissing. Several boys who worked with deceased, declared that the spar had been amissing for three weeks, although they had not reported the matter. Colliery officials however, affirmed that all the pithead fencing was regularly inspected, and one of these, an engineer, declared that the scaffold fencing was intact at least two days before the accident. The jury added to a formal verdict an expression of opinion that the accident was due to a defect in the fencing, which ought to have been repaired. [The Scotsman 15 May 1925]

20 June 1925

Machineman's Narrow Escape From Electrocution – David Spowart, a colliery machineman employed by the Fife Coal Company in James Pit, Donibristle, had a narrow escape from being fatally electrocuted at his work. Spowart was in attendance on a coal-cutter when he accidentally came in contact with a live wire which severely burned his left leg and left arm, but he made a very fortunate escape. He was conveyed home and medically attended. [Dunfermline Journal 20 June 1925]

7 July 1925

Fatality at Leven – Alexander Pryde, brusher, who resided at Wilkie's Cottages, Hawthorn Street, Leven, has succumbed in Wemyss Memorial Hospital to the severe internal injuries he received while at work in Wellesley Colliery of the Wemyss Coal Co. He was 41 years of age and leaves a widow. [Dunfermline Journal 11 July 1925]

18 September 1925

Fife Pit Fatality - John Gray (34), a brusher, residing in a Dunfermline lodging-house, was seriously injured as the result of a stone falling on him from the roof while he was at work in the Lord Bruce Pit, Blairhall Colliery, yesterday morning. He died an hour later while being conveyed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital in an ambulance. Deceased was a married man. [The Scotsman 19 September 1925]

16 December 1925

Steelend Miner Killed – Fall From the Roof – Richard Porteous, a miner, who resided at Woodside Place, Steelend, was killed by a fall from the roof at No 2 Lethans Colliery on Wednesday. Deceased was a member of the late Parish Council, and took a prominent part in the affairs of the district. [Dunfermline Journal 19 December 1925]