Newstead Colliery Strike, 29th June 1918

As the war continued into its fourth year, the never-ending demand for more men meant that previously protected workers in essential jobs were conscripted into the army. This process, known as ‘combing out’, led to much ill-feeling, particularly when men who had started work in collieries since the outbreak of the war were not called up whilst longer-serving miners were conscripted. Such a dispute led to a strike at Newstead Colliery, which began on 29th June 1918.

“FOUR DAYS LOST AT NEWSTEAD PIT.

“For precious days have been lost at Newstead pit under singular circumstances, the men objecting to the presence of three employees who re-entered colliery work since 1914, whilst others of longer service were being called up. For some days heated discussions had ensued on the present state of affairs, and on Saturday morning [29th June 1918] the men refused to work. On Monday morning a pit-head meeting was held, and it was resolved not to restart till the three men – two of whom reside at Hucknall and the other (a clerk) of Mansfield – were removed. Tuesday and Wednesday were also idle days. On the morning of the latter day the management met the Branch Committee, and after thrashing out the matter, the former decided to give the three men in question legal notice to leave the colliery. This being satisfactory the pit resumed work this morning [4th July 1918].

“It is understood that the three men will go tree-felling at Ollerton.

“Thus four precious days have been lost.

“What has been gained?”

‘Hucknall Dispatch’, 4th July 1918.

Photograph: http://www.healeyhero.co.uk/I-Was/I_was9F.htm