Gedling Colliery Accident, 2nd July 1915

“GEDLING COLLIERY ACCIDENT.

“NINE MEN INJURED THROUGH OVER-WINDING.

“A serious accident occurred at what is known as the top-hard pit Gedling Colliery this afternoon [2nd July 1915].

“About twenty men were descending for the afternoon shift at 2.45, when the cage crashed to the bottom, being over-wound, and nine of the occupants sustained injuries. Fortunately the machinery continued to be workable, and the unfortunate men were soon brought to the surface again.

“Three of them, Fred Bramley, his son, Edwin Bramley, and John Heighton, of Bulwell, were conveyed to Nottingham General Hospital, the other six being taken to their respective homes.

“At the hospital it was found that Bramley, jun., had injuries to his back, and was also suffering internally. but his father was more fortunate, escaping with slight damage to his knee. Heighton detained with a fractured femur.

“Fred Bramley, who was seen by a Post representative just prior to being placed under the X-ray, stated that the winding apparatus must have got out of control. He added that he remembers very little of the occurrence, except that the cage crashed to the bottom of the shaft.”

'Nottingham Evening Post', 2nd July 1915.

“Isiah Biddulph, 40, miner employed at Gedling Colliery and living 29, Beech-avenue, Nottingham, was this morning [2nd July 1915] admitted to the Nottingham General Hospital suffering from injuries his head, having been crushed between a prop and a quantity of coal.”

'Nottingham Evening Post', 2nd July 1915.

Image: BBC.