Ballingry Parish Accidents - 1914 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.

12 January 1915

Lochgelly Miner Killed - An accident occurred on Tuesday morning at Glencraig Colliery, belonging to the Wilson's and Clyde Coal Company, by which a miner named Alexander Gray, Lochgelly, lost his life. Gray was at his usual employment, and failed to get out of the way of a hutch, by which he was knocked down. He died shortly after. Deceased came from Penicuik a few years ago and was about 50 years of age. He leaves a widow and daughter. [Dunfermline Journal 16 January 1915]

A Lochgelly Miner Killed - A fatal accident occurred yesterday morning at Glencraig colliery, belonging to the Wilsons and Clyde Coal Company. A miner named Alexander Gray, Lochgelly, was at his usual employment , and failed to get out of the way of a hutch, by which he was knocked down. He died shortly after. [Scotsman 13 January 1915]

9 March 1915

Pit Hoist Accident At Lumphinnans - Mary Duffy, pithead worker, residing at Beveridge Place, Lumphinnans, met with an accident at No 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Tuesday. The girl was engaged taking off and putting on hutches at the hoist. She had put on the hoist a pail containing grease for the purpose of lowering it. She then stepped on the hoist, when her weight set it in motion, with the result that she fell to the bottom. She sustained concussion of the brain and a large wound on the right side of the head above the ear. She was attended to by Dr Young, Cowdenbeath, and conveyed home. [Dunfermline Journal 13 March 1915]

13 March 1915

Glencraig Brusher Killed – John Reilly, a brusher, lately residing at John Street, Crosshill, was killed on Saturday in Glencraig Colliery, of the Wilson and Clyde Coal Company. He had just started to work when a large stone fell from the roof, knocking him down and inflicting serious internal and external injuries. He died while being conveyed to the surface. [Dunfermline Journal 20 March 1915]

19 October 1915

Accidents - About 6.30pm on Tuesday evening a serious accident took place at Glencraig Colliery whereby Laurence Duffy, 16 years of age and residing at 192 South Glencraig, met his death. The lad was in the act of taking an empty hutch into No 1 Russell's section, No 2 pit, when a large fall took place from the roof, in which he was completely buried. Assistance was at once procured and strenuous efforts made to remove the fallen material. It was found necessary to break up a large stone about 2 tons in weight, under which the body of the unfortunate worker was lying. Dr Todd who was in attendance, certified death as due to suffocation. Deceased also had several ribs fractured. As an indication of the extent of the fall it may be mentioned that it took about 3 1/2 hours to recover the body. [Dunfermline Journal 23 October 1915]

21 October 1915

On Thursday afternoon Mr David Baird, under manager, Glencraig Colliery, met with an accident in the course of his duties. He was caught between a race of hutches and a bar and was rendered unconscious. He soon after recovered sufficiently to proceed home, where he was attended by Dr Todd, who diagnosed severe bruises to chest and back. [Dunfermline Journal 23 October 1915]

27 October 1915

Sudden Death - About 2 o'clock on Wednesday a miner named John M’Cuddin, 45 years of age, and who resided at Gardiner Street, Lochgelly, died suddenly in No. 1 Pit, Glencraig Colliery. Dr Todd, who examined the body on its arrival at the pithead, expressed the opinion that death was due to heart failure. [Dunfermline Journal 30 October 1915]

15 December 1915

Glencraig & Lochore – Fatal Accident Inquiry – The circumstances connected with the death of Thos Paterson, miner, lately residing at Ballingry Place, Lochore, who died on 15th December in No 1 Pit, Glencraig Colliery, by a stone falling on him from the face were investigated in Dunfermline Sheriff Court last Thursday. Patrick Mooney jun, hanger on, stated that at piece time on the morning in question he went into Paterson's working place to tell him it was piece time. When he went into the place he saw that a fall had taken place. Witness obtained assistance. Thomas Delop, wheeler, one of the men who assisted to extricate the body, stated that, so far as he could see, the place was well propped. Daniel Munro pit fireman, spoke to his having made his usual examination of the working place, which he found securely propped, close up to the face, and everything apparently quite safe. Witness was surprised to hear of the accident for deceased was regarded as a very careful worker. Deceased was driving a heading through the waste, and the material he had to remove was composed of stone and blae. The jury returned a formal verdict. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 1 February 1916]

LOCHORE MINER KILLED IN PIT ACCIDENT. - A fatal accident occurred in Glencraig Colliery, belonging to Wilsons & Clyde Coal, Company, Ltd., the victim being Thomas Paterson, a miner, residing at Ballingry Place, Lochore. Paterson had been engaged driving a heading by himself when a "fall" from the roof took place, and he was covered with the debris. A fellow-worker, observing his absence at the breakfast hour, hastened to the spot. The alarm was raised, and the material was quickly removed, but Paterson was found to have been instantaneously killed. There was a serious wound in the back of his head. He was 54 years of age, and leaves a widow. [Dundee Courier 17 December 1915]

30 December 1915

Accident at Mary Pithead - William Dacey, miner, 22 years of age, who resided at Hunter’s Buildings, South Glencraig, was the victim of an accident at the revolving doors of the Mary pithead while returning from the nightshift on Thursday morning. Dr Todd was speedily summoned, and found Dacey suffering from severe bruises to back and shoulders. He was afterwards conveyed to his lodgings. [Dunfermline Journal 1 January 1916]

19 March 1916

Glencraig & Lochore – How a Drawer Met His Death – A fatal accident inquiry took place at Dunfermline on Thursday into the cause of death of Robert Thomas Gunn, drawer, lately residing at 52 Waverley Street, Lochore, who died on 19 March in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital in consequence of injuries received on 7th March in Benarty Colliery by a fall of stone from the roof. Dr Peter Sturrock, Dunfermline, stated that when deceased was brought to hospital he was suffering from an injury to his right hand. The condition he was in when admitted to hospital was consistent with an injury received, perhaps, about the 7th March. Death took place from tetanus. After further evidence, a formal verdict was returned. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 16 May 1916]

11 April 1916

Glencraig & Lochore – Accident At Pit – An accident occurred in the underground workings of the Mary Pit, Lochore on Thursday night to Joseph Kane, 43, a pit brusher, residing at 87 Waverely Street, but presently employed as a drawer. A large stone fell from the roof and knocked him down with the result that his left leg was broken below the knee. Dr Todd, Glencraig, attended the injured man and ordered his removal to Dunfermline Cottage Hospital. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 11 April 1916]

April 1916

Pit Accidents – An accident in Glencraig No 2 Pit, happened on Monday to James Monroe, residing in South Glencraig whereby he received injuries to his legs through a fall of the roof. Happily no bones were broken, but severe bruises and cuts rendered it necessary to remove him home with the works Hand Ambulance. He is now progressing favourably. In the Nellie Pit on Wednesday and accident happened to Patrick Flin, Kingston Cottages, Glencraig, which necessitated his being conveyed home by ambulance. The injury is about the lower portion of the leg and is believed not to be serious. James White, residing at Crosshill, met with an accident in No 2 Pit Glencraig on Friday morning. He had just descended for his shift when the accident happened. He was conveyed home by the Hand Ambulance. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 11 April 1916]

13 April 1916

Glencraig & Lochore – Pit Accident – As a result of an accident in Glencraig Colliery No 2 Pit on Thursday last, Alexander Monroe Milton, Crosshill, had his ribs bruised and otherwise slightly crushed by a fall of roof. He was conveyed home and medically attended by Dr Todd. The injuries are happily not of a serious nature. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 18 April 1916]

3 May 1916

At Lochore Colliery, owned by Messrs. The Fife Coal Co., Ltd., on 3rd May, a repairer and a brusher were killed. They had to take out a bar and put a new one in its place. They had carried out the first part of the work and were apparently engaged on the second when the fall occurred. No one saw the accident and therefore it cannot be stated positively that temporary props had not been set beneath the bars on either side of the one taken out. The changing of bars is usually dangerous, and it cannot be too strongly urged upon men who are sent to do such work that temporary supports -must be set until the new bar is in its place and properly lagged. [Report by H Walker, Inspector of Mines & Quarries, Scotland Division for the year 1916]

Glencraig & Lochore – Double Pit Fatality – A sad fatal accident happened in the Mary Pit, Lochore on Wednesday morning, whereby two men lost their lives, the circumstances being partly suffocation and partly bruises. They were employed brushing a bench in the Glessee section where a large fall of stone took place, completely burying both with the above result. Their names are James McLachlan (married), Waverley Street, Lochore, and Matthew Anderson, who had not been long in the district and lodged at Whitehouse, Crosshill. He was a native of New Cumnock, Ayrshire. He intended leaving to join the army. His father had just received notice of another brother having been killed in action. M'Lachlan had resided in the village for seven years and was well known. He was a prominent Freemason and Orangeman. He was W.M of Lodge 320 Orangemen, Lochore, and had been fr 5 months secretary of District 65. He was re-appointed to that position a week or two ago, and was presented with a gold badge in recognition of his services. He served in the South African War with the Royal Scots Fusiliers, and possessed the King's and Queen's medals, with six clasps. Deceased's only brother is at present lying seriously wounded in a hospital in France. The funeral took place on Friday and was largely attended by local Freemasons, while the Lochgelly brass band was also in attendance. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 9 May 1916]

9 May 1916

Lumphinnans – Fatal Accident at A Colliery – On Tuesday a fatal accident occurred at No 11 pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, whereby Alexander Pringle, 33, who resided at Gardener's Land, Townhill Road, Dunfermline, met with his death while following the occupation of jigger attendant. No one saw the accident happen but it is presumed that the unfortunate man was dragged in among the machinery while carrying out oiling operations. He leaves a widow and two children. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 16 May 1916]

September 1916

Glencraig & Lochore – Pit Accident – An accident occurred at No 1 Pit, Glencraig to James Bryce, aged 17 years, son of David Bryce, North Glencraig. When he was hanging on at No 5 brae, North Dook, a full hutch broke away and came in contact with him, breaking his left leg, and crushing and bruising him on other parts of the body. He got off much easier than might have been expected as in many cases under the circumstances the accident would have proved fatal. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 5 September 1916]

25 September 1916

Glencraig & Lochore – Accident – Yesterday an accident happened in Glencraig Colliery, north dook section, whereby Edward Grant, who lodges in M'Menemy's Buildings South Glencraig, had his leg fractured and was otherwise bruised. He was removed to Dunfermline Hospital. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 26 September 1916]

October 1916

Glencraig & Lochore – Accident – An accident occurred in Glencraig Colliery No 2 Pit, to Charles Gillespie, North Glencraig, and another miner named Turnbull residing in South Glencraig. They were both working at the face in the Jersey seam when a burst of coal and brushing came away causing both men to lose a finger each. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 10 October 1916]

21 October 1916

Glencraig Fatality – Aged Miner Killed – About two o'clock on Saturday a fatal accident occurred at Glencraig Colliery, the victim being John Dowds, a miner, about 76 years of age. He was working at the face in the Dunfermline splint seam when a fall of stone, reckoned at about 5 tons came away from the roof and buried him. His son was working near by and he immediately went to his fathers assistance and with help had him extricated, but life was extinct. Previously the roof seemed to have been well wooded and safe. Deceased had worked nearly every day and was really a surprising workman according to his years. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 24 October 1916]

25 November 1916

Glencraig & Lochore – Miner Killed – On Friday afternoon, Anthony Kelly, a miner residing at M'Menemy's Buildings, Glencraig, was accidentally killed in No 2 pit, Glencraig Colliery. He was at work at the coal face in No 9 section of the pit when a quantity of coal fell upon him, causing instantaneous death. Deceased who was 36 years of age leaves a widow and two children. This is the second time she has been widowed through an accident and is the third fatal accident in Glencraig Colliery in 1916. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 28 November 1916]

18 December 1916

Glencraig & Lochore – Accident – An accident occurred in Glencraig Colliery No 2 Pit on Monday afternoon by a runaway hutch whereby a man John Lappin, residing in Park Street, Crosshill, had his leg broken below the knee. He was attended by Dr Todd and later sent to the Hospital. [Lochgelly & Kelty News 19 December 1916]

15 May 1917

Fatality At Glencraig - Michael Lynch (27) miner, lately residing at North Glencraig, met with a fatal accident at No 2 Pit, Glencraig Colliery, [illegible] Tuesday. He was employed at the face and he left for the purpose of obtaining a [illegible] machine for a comrade. He had only gone four yards when a large stone fell upon him from the roof, pinning him to the pavement. His skull was fractured and death was instantaneous. He was a married man. [Dunfermline Journal 19 May 1917]

24 May 1917

Fatal Roof Fall In The “Big Mary” - Edward William Austin (21) miner, 4 Lochleven Road, Lochore, was killed on Thursday by a fall from the roof in the Five-feet seam, No 7 section of the Mary Pit, Lochore, of the Fife Coal Company. The accident took place about 2 o'clock and Austin died two hours later, after being removed home. John Bell, miner, 20 Waverley Street, Lochore, who was working along with Austin, was injured, but not seriously. [Dunfermline Journal 26 May 1917]

7 June 1917

17 October 1917

Lochore Miner's Compensation – In Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Thursday, Sheriff Umpherston decided an action for compensation in which the parties were John Hetherington, miner, 66 Waverley Street, Lochore, and the Fife Coal Company, Ltd. On 17th October, Hetherington sustained injuries in the Mary Pit, his right hand being crushed and burst. He had been engaged in light work and claimed 8s 6d per week. The Sheriff awarded him 7s 6d per week as from 17th November 1915 to 25th October, 1917 and 5s per week from 25th October; the compensation to be under deduction of £10 13s paid by the respondents. [Dunfermline Journal 3 November 1917]

21 May 1918

19 May 1919

Fatal Accident - A fall of debris occurred in No 13 section, Mary Pit, in the early hours of Monday morning, as the result of which Joseph Bryn, brusher, Waverely Street, received fatal injuries. After being examined by Dr Sinclair he was conveyed home, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The deceased leaves a widow and young family to mourn his loss. [Dunfermline Journal 24 May 1919]

28 June 1919

Miner Succumbs To Injuries - The death has occurred in West Fife Hospital, Dunfermline, of Wm. Craigie, miner, Kinnesswood, who sustained serious injuries from a fall in Mary Pit, Lochore. Craigie, who was 38 years of age, was badly crushed about the limbs and body, and he only lived for 24 hours after being conveyed to hospital. [Dunfermline Journal 5 July 1919]

25 August 1919

Mary Pit Accident - A pithead worker, named Mrs Sarah Garry, was engaged at the Mary Pit on Monday afternoon. A piece of iron flung from the scaffold struck her on the side. She was taken to her home in Well Road in the ambulance van, and was attended to by Dr Dickson. [Dunfermline Journal 30 August 1919]

24 July 1921

Lochgelly Engineman Burned - Three colliery enginemen sustained burning injuries at Glencraig Colliery, Lochgelly, last Sunday night. The men involved were Alexander Millar, Lochore; James Condie, North Glencraig; and John Thomson, Lochgelly. They were engaged in putting in a new gauge in the enginehouse, and were severely burned by steam from the exhaust. [Dunfermline Journal 30 July 1921]

7 December 1921

Fatal Pit Accidents - While Michael Ghilmartin, who resides at North Glencraig, was engaged at the coal face in No 2 Pit, No 4 Brae, Glencraig Colliery, on Wednesday afternoon, a fall of roof came away, pinning him to the pavement, and when he was extricated life was found to be extinct. An accident occurred on Tuesday last in Glencraig colliery, when a miner named Dilligan was seriously injured. He was conveyed to West Fife Hospital, suffering from wounds to his back and legs. [Dunfermline Journal 10 December 1921]

26 January 1923

Motor Attendant Electrocuted In Fife Pit - David Thomson (19), motor, attendant, son of David Thomson, Hall Street, Cowdenbeath, was accidentally electrocuted yesterday while following his work in the Wallsend section of No. 11 pit, Lumphinnans Colliery. [Scotsman 27 January 1923]

11 March 1923

Accident At Glencraig - An accident happened in Glencraig Colliery last Friday, whereby James Walkinshaw, residing at Caiglee Cottage, Glencraig, was severely crushed by a fall of coal in the Kelty main seam. Fortunately, no serious results are anticipated. [Dunfermline Journal 17 March 1923]

16 March 1923

Man Fatally Injured In Lumphinnans Colliery - Robert Kean (33), residing 1 Sligo Street, Lumphinnans, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital yesterday from injuries sustained through being struck by a wirerope which had slipped off a wheel in No 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery: He leaves a widow and four of a family. [Scotsman 17 March 1923]

Lumphinnans Colliery Fatality - Accident On Wheel Brae – Robert Kean (33), a tail runner who resided at Sligo Street, Lumphinnans, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital last night as the result of an accident which occurred earlier in the day at No 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery. Kean, who was employed on a wheel brae in the Dunfermline seam of the pit was struck with force by a steel rope which had sprung out of position on the wheel. The unfortunate man was severely injured, one of his legs being [illeg] severed. Kean was at once removed to hospital and the leg amputated. He succumbed shortly after undergoing the operation. Deceased leaves a widow and four of a family. [Dunfermline Journal 17 March 1923] 

16 June 1924

Lochore & Glencraig – Sudden Death - The death of John Cunningham, residing at 9 North Glencraig, took place in the early hours of Monday morning. Mr Cunningham left the house in his usual health to go on his shift on the afternoon shift on Sabbath in splint dook section in in Glencraig Colliery of No. 1 Pit, Dunfermline Splint Dook. On the arrival of the night shift men the deceased was found in the dook road making an ineffective endeavour to crawl up. He was carried to the pit bottom and raised to the surface and taken home, where he expired half an hour later. The peculiar circumstances of the case are being much talked about. The deceased was an inspector in this section and was to attend a motor on this particular shift. He leaves a large family, two of which are married. [Dunfermline Journal 21 June 1924]

25 January 1925

Death From Wire Prick – Sequel To Accident at Lochore Pit – It may be remembered that an accident occurred in the Mary Pit, Lochore, two weeks ago, which was looked upon as being very slight. Robert Reid, son of David Reid, Park Street, Crosshill, had his leg pricked by a broken wire from a haulage rope. It was attended to at the time, but the poison had got there, and he was removed to the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, where he was operated on. By Friday of last week no hope was entertained for his recovery, and he passed away on Sunday afternoon. He was 22 years of age and leaves a widow and one child, for whom much sympathy is felt. [Dunfermline Journal 31 January 1925]

13 May 1925

Accident In Glencraig Colliery – An accident in Glencraig Colliery No 1 Pit north dook section, occurred on Wednesday, the unfortunate man being Richard Glover, residing in South Glencraig. While securing the roof of his working place, a slip of stones from a lipe broke a bar and crushed him to the pavement. When relieved he was severely bruised and torn. He was removed to the pithead where medical attention was given. Glover was afterwards conveyed to his home by ambulance. [Dunfermline Journal 16 May 1925]

2 February 1926

Glencraig Man's Death – Andrew Guthrie, 2 North Glencraig, whose back and spine were severely injured in an accident in Glencraig Colliery, has died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. He was taken to hospital after the accident as it was considered his injuries were of a very serious nature. Mr Guthrie was of a quiet unassuming nature and much respected. He leaves a widow and one child, a girl, for whom much sympathy is felt. [Dunfermline Journal 6 February 1926]

2 February 1926

Fife Pit Explosion - One Man Killed - Two Injured - One man was killed and two injured (one severely) by an explosion on the surface at the Mary pit, Lochore, belonging to the Fife Coal Company (Ltd.) The journal boxes and main origins shaft in the engine-house were being cleaned and examined. The workmen were using naphtha for cleaning purposes, and it is thought that the naphtha gases had accumulated in the wheel-guard recess. The men were using a light for examination, when a loud explosion took place. The roof of the engine-house was blown off. Peter King, residing at Lochgelly, was killed. His body was discovered between the drums of the winding engine and the floor. James Miller, engineer, Crosshill, Glencraig, was removed to his home in the ambulance, waggon, while the third man, Leitch, although also suffering severely, was able to walk to his home at Lochore. [Scotsman 3 February 1926]

12 & 21 December, 1927

Fatal Accidents In West Fife - Circumstances Examined at Dunfermline. - Five Cases Before the Court. - Inquiry was held at Dunfermline to-day into five fatal accidents which took place at Inverkeithing, Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, and two at Glencraig Colliery. Sheriff Umpherston and a jury at Dunfermline considered the circumstances. The victims of the accidents and the apparent causes of death were as follows: ………… William Cowie, miner, lately residing 23 Melville Street, Lochgelly, who died on 12th December, 1927, in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital from injuries received on that date in the Mary Pit, Lochgelly, of the Lochgelly Iron and Coal Company, Limited, by falling on and being dragged along by the conveyor chain. James Harrower, oversman, lately residing at 119 North Glencraig, who died on 21st December, 1927, at his residence in consequence of injuries received on 27th September, 1926, in No. 1 Pit of Glencraig Colliery by a stone falling on him from the roof. [Evening Telegraph 12 January 1928]

1 January 1928

Glencraig and Lochore – Accident – A young man named John Duncan, age 19, residing at Flockhouse, Lochore, sustained a fractured spine and other internal injuries as the result of an accident on Wednesday in Glencraig No 2 Pit. He was removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. [Dunfermline Journal 8 January 1927]

John Stenhouse Duncan died 1 January 1928, age 20.

Fatal Accidents In West Fife - Circumstances Examined at Dunfermline. - Five Cases Before the Court. - Inquiry was held at Dunfermline to-day into five fatal accidents which took place at Inverkeithing, Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, and two at Glencraig Colliery. Sheriff Umpherston and a jury at Dunfermline considered the circumstances. The victims of the accidents and the apparent causes of death were as follows: ………… John Stenhouse Duncan, pony driver, lately residing at Flockhouse, Auchterderran, who died 1st January 1928, in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital from injuries received on 29th December, 1926, in No. 2 Pit of Glencraig Colliery by being crushed between a wall and a rake of hutches to which a pony was yoked. [Evening Telegraph 12 January 1928]

8 January 1928

Fife Pit Explosion - A Second Death - In the cases of two of the seven victims of the explosion at the Wilson's and Clyde Coal Co.'s Glencraig pit late on Friday evening death has taken place. From the first little hope had been entertained of the recovery of William Whyte and Simpson Mitchell, both brushers, who resided at Foulford Road, two of the four men removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. Whyte passed away on Sunday morning, and Mitchell's death occurred yesterday. Both men had suffered from extensive burns about the arms, face, and upper parts of the body. [Scotsman 10 January 1928]

16 January 1928

Man Caught By Revolving Shaft - An accident attended by fatal results occurred in the Mary Pit, Lochore, on Monday. Edward Smith (57), jigger-engineman, 55 Waverley Street, Lochore, was the victim of the unfortunate happening and it appears that while in the vicinity of the engine, the sleeve of his jacket was caught by a pin in the revolving shaft, and whirled round and round with the revolutions of the shaft. He was drawn in amongst the machinery, one of his arms being wrenched off, and his body otherwise badly mutilated. When the machinery was brought to rest he was dead, and it is assumed that death was instantaneous. [Dunfermline Journal 21 January 1928]

15 August 1928

Lochgelly Miner Killed – Robert Fleming, coalcutting machineman, was killed at Glencraig Colliery, Lochgelly on Wednesday morning while at work. He saw a movement in the roof, and fearing a fall of coal made to take refuge at the side of his machine. He was caught in the machinery. His left leg was torn off and death was almost instantaneous. Fleming was 21 years of age. [Dunfermline Journal 25 August 1928]

19 August 1928

Glencraig Miner Killed – A Former Falkirk Footballer – An accident occurred at Glencraig Colliery, near Lochgelly, last Sunday night, resulting in the death of Robert Woods, 34, miner, who resided at 36 South Glencraig. Deceased was engaged as a miner in the Jersey seam of No 1 pit of the colliery, and was at his usual duties on the night shift when the accident happened. He was caught by a fall of coal and death was instantaneous. Woods, who leaves a widow and four children, was up till two years ago a well known footballer. For several seasons he played for Falkirk, and he was one of the Alloa team which created a sensation in the Scottish Cup competition several seasons ago. [Dunfermline Journal 25 August 1928]

27 August 1928

Fatality at Glencraig – Another fatality occurred at Glencraig Colliery on Monday afternoon, when John Reilly (35), residing in Lochgelly, was instantaneously killed by a fall. This is the third fatal accident that has taken place in Glencraig within a fortnight. Reilly was married and much sympathy is felt for his widow. [Dunfermline Journal 1 September 1928]

3 October 1928

Fatality At Glencraig Colliery - Another fatality occurred at Glencraig Colliery on Wednesday, when a young lad, J. McGowan, residing at South Glencraig, met with shocking injuries. The lad, who was working his first shift with his father, was caught by a hutch on a wheelbrae and dragged down for a considerable distance. When extricated young McGowan was dead and badly mutilated. Work at the pit was suspended for the day. [Dunfermline Journal 6 October 1928]

6 November 1928

Terrible Tragedy – Man Falls 120 Fathoms – A terrible fatality overtook William Kennedy, underground pump attendant, at the Mary Pit, early on Tuesday morning. Kennedy was on night shift duty, and, failing to come up at his usual finishing time, search was made and Kennedy's terribly mutilated remains were found at the bottom of the pit. The unfortunate man had fallen a distance of 120 fathoms. Kennedy was a married man with a grown-up family, and has been living in lodgings in Lochore for nearly two years. How the accident happened is at present unknown. [Dunfermline Journal 10 November 1928]

Mysterious Fife Pit Fatality - In Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday, a fatal accidents inquiry was held in regard to the death of William Kennedy . 55 Montrose Cottages, Lochore, who died in No. 1 pit, Lochore where he was employed as a pumpman, having been killed by falling from the high bottom to the low bottom of the pit, a distance of one hundred fathoms. Colliery officials and fellow workmen stated that the shaft at the high bottom was sufficiently protected by sliding gates. To reach the shaft gates deceased would have to walk a distance of twenty yards for his pump. For deceased to get into the shaft, the gates would either have to be opened or he would have to get down on his hands and knees and crawl underneath them. It was impossible to get through the gates by accident. The man would either have to go below to gates or climb over the top. Evidence was also forthcoming to the effect that after the man's mutilated body was found at. the bottom of the shaft, the gates were found to be closed, and the pit bottom where he had been employed properly lit up. By the direction of the Sheriff, the jury abstained from saying in their verdict whether Kennedy met with his death by accident or otherwise. [Scotsman 1 February 1929]

9 March 1929

Glencraig Colliery Accident - In an accident which occurred in the Glassee section of the Glencraig Colliery, David Scott, son of the underground manager, Mr Scott, Glencraig house, was seriously injured. Whilst engaged in his duties as fireman preparing explosives in a shot-hole for blasting, he was caught and crushed by an unexpected fall of roof in the vicinity. He was conveyed home by ambulance. [Dunfermline Journal 9 March 1929]

16 April 1929

Fatal Accident At Glencraig - William Berry, a middle-aged man employed by the Glencraig Coal Company, was instantaneously killed on Tuesday night while at work in No 2 Pit. The deceased was caught by a huge stone which fell from the roof, and several hours elapsed before the body could be extricated. Berry was a single man, living in lodgings in Lochgelly, and is thought to belong to Glasgow. [Dunfermline Journal 20 April 1929]

27 April 1929

Fife Pit Fatality - A lad of 14 years, John Finlator Mitchell, Currie's Buildings, South Glencraig, near Lochgelly, who started work only a short time ago died on Saturday from injuries received while at work on Thursday. He was employed as a pithead worker at Glencraig colliery, which belongs to Wilsons & Clyde Coal Co. (Ltd.), and was engaged in pinching a waggon forward when the accident took place. He became jammed between two waggons, and was severely crushed about the chest. After receiving medical attention he was conveyed by ambulance to his home, where he died. [Scotsman 29 April 1929]

30 April 1929

Lochgelly Miner Killed - Fall of Stone - A well known young Lochgelly man, James McKinlay, was killed on Tuesday, while at his work in the Mary Colliery, belonging to the Lochgelly Iron and Coal Company. He was engaged with James Forrester, Whyte Street, Lochgelly, in adjusting “straps” in the Little seam of the colliery, when, about eleven o'clock in the forenoon, a stone broke away from the roof, and fell on McKinlay. Forrester and another man who was working close by, David Wilson, 52a Melville Street, Lochgelly, had a narrow escape. McKinlay who was about 25 years of age, was well known in connection with local billiards tournaments, and was to have taken part in a billiards match on Tuesday night. He was also a member of Lochgelly Tennis Club. His father who was for many years a director of the old Lochgelly United Football Club, died only about [illeg] months ago, and this caused his son to alter his plans for emigrating to America. [Dunfermline Journal 4 May 1929]

31 December 1929

Serious Pit Accident - A serious accident occurred yesterday afternoon at Glencraig Colliery, belonging to Wilson & Clyde Coal Co. (Ltd.), when John Lynas, miner, residing at South Glencraig, was severely injured, sustaining a compound fracture of the left leg. The accident is believed to have been caused by a coal-cutter breaking away from the tree to which it was attached, and racing down an incline. So serious were the injuries that the victim's foot had to be taken off at the pithead before he was conveyed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. At the hospital it was found necessary to amputate the whole leg. [Scotsman 1 January 1930]

8 February 1930

Fife Pit Fatalities - Jury's Comment in Two Inquiries - Unusual circumstances were disclosed in two inquiries in Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday with regard to fatal accidents which had occurred recently in West Fife pits. In the case of James Moore, junior, coal miner, 10 John Street, Crosshill, who was killed by a roof-fall in No. 1 Pit of Glencraig colliery, it was stated that Moore was found dead in a derailed hutch which had been overwhelmed by a heavy fall of material. Witnesses stated that the men were not allowed to ride in hutches, but specially constructed bogies which gave ample clearance were provided for that purpose. Sheriff Umpherston said it had not been proved what actually caused the fall from the roof, but what had been proved was that, at the time of the accident, Moore was riding in a hutch, contrary to the regulations. A rider to that effect was added by the jury to their formal verdict. [Scotsman 21 March 1930]

Fife Colliery Fatality - £400 Damages for Son's Death - The trial was concluded by Lord Moncrieff and a jury in the Court of Session on Saturday afternoon of an action in which James Moore, brusher, 20 John Street, Crosshill, Glencraig, Fife, sued Wilsons & Clyde Coal Co. (Ltd.), 127 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, for £650 as damages in respect of the death of his son James, who was killed while at work in Glencraig colliery on February 8, 1930. The pursuer's son lost his life through a hutch striking a prop, and causing part of the roof of the travelling road to collapse, so that he was buried under a fall of redd and stone. The defenders denied fault. They averred that the pursuer's son had no authority to be on the hutch in which he was travelling when the accident occurred. They said the roof was secure and well supported. By a majority of 8 to 4, the jury found for the pursuer, and assessed the damages it £400. [Scotsman 4 February 1935]

24 March 1931

Glencraig Colliery Roof Fall - Cowdenbeath Man Killed - Henry Hutchison, Parker's Place, Cowdenbeath, was killed, and another man, James Binnie, jun., North Glencraig, had a narrow escape in an accident which occurred in Glencraig Colliery on Tuesday night. The two men were employed on the back shift and were working together when there was a heavy fall from the roof. Hutchison was pinned under a huge mass of stone and coal, and it is believed he was killed outright. Binnie was within inches, but had a miraculous escape, and called for assistance. A large number of miners answered Binnie's call and worked feverishly for half an hour. When Hutchison was extricated however, life was found to be extinct. In consequence of the accident the night shift workers did not go on duty on Tuesday night. The accident happened shortly before the back shift was due to finish work. The colliery belongs to Messrs Wilsons & Clyde Coal Co. Ltd. [Dunfermline Journal 28 March 1931]

Killed At Work - The last case [at Fatal Accident Inquiry] concerned the death of Henry Hutchison, miner, 4 Parker's Place, Cowdenbeath, who was killed on 24th March in the underground workings of No 1 Pit, Glencraig Colliery, by a fall from the roof of his working place. James Logan Merilees, miner, 71 Garry Park, North Glencraig, said he was quite close to the deceased when the fall took place. A lipe was visible in the roof beforehand, and they had special propping which was considered sufficient. They had no warning of what was going to happen. He and another workman narrowly escaped being caught. James Binnie, miner, 61 North Glencraig, also said there was sufficient propping to guard against a roof fall. Peter Henderson, underground fireman, 51 Garry Park, North Glencraig, said he visited the scene of the accident about three hours previously. Everything was in order. He tapped the roof, and the props were in the specified distance. There was a lipe in the roof which could be easily seen. In his opinion it was a surge in the roof which caused the stone to fall. The jury returned a formal verdict. [Dunfermline Journal 19 May 1931]

2 May 1931

Lochore Colliery Fatality - Miner Struck By Fall of Roof - A Crosshill Miner, John Copeland (45), 3 John Street, has succumbed in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital to injuries received owing to roof fall at No 2 Mary Pit, Lochore Colliery. Copeland sustained a fracture to the base of the skull and other injuries. He was attended at the pithead by Dr Sinclair, and removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. [Dunfermline Journal 9 May 1931]

NB John Copeland died 2 May 1931

15 May 1931

Crushed By Descending Cage - The Court [FAI at Dunfermline Sheriff Court] then inquired into the case of James Donachie, miner, 37 Hall Street, Lochgelly, who died on 15th May in No 1 Pit, Glencraig, belonging to the Wilsons & Clyde Coal Co., from injuries sustained by him in the course of his employment as a bottomer, being crushed at the pit bottom by a descending cage. John Murdoch, assistant pit bottomer, 80 North Glencraig, said about 7am, deceased put four hutches on the cage on the high side and secured the cage and signalled the winding engineman to raise the cage. Deceased belled for his dip side hutches, and as he was crossing from the hammer he stumbled and the descending cage with the four hutches caught him. Witness got a glimpse of him falling under the descending cage. The safety bar was in position. He could not account for the accident. Mr J M Davidson on behalf of the owners, asked witness if he could give an explanation of how deceased got in the cage seat, and witness replied that he stumbled on the rails when he was walking. “is it not the case that this unfortunate man was crossing the cage seat at the time the accident happened!-No.” Mr James Potter on behalf of the relatives asked witness if it was not the simplest thing for a man to slip on the rails and his feet disappear just as the cage came down, and the reply was “Yes.” “He would not go over the bar; he would go under the bar, which is about three feet high, and you would see very little about it? - Yes.” John Sheridan, assistant pit bottomer, 19 Milton Row, Crosshill, who was about 10 yards away from the deceased when the accident happened, corroborated the previous witness's evidence. The safety bar was in between deceased and the seat of the cage. Witness had “chapped” the hammer and just caught a glimpse of the deceased falling. Mr Davidson - Can you give no reason why the deceased should be between these hutches and the fences in the shaft at the time he met with the accident? - He was standing waiting on his cage coming. Can you swear that the deceased was not crossing the cage seat when the accident happened? Yes. George Davies, miner, Main's Buildings, who was attending to the haulage engine, said he was called to the scene of the accident, and he found deceased lying in the sump on his right side on the high side of the pit. The body was altogether in the cage seat. Deceased's head was crushed. He was alive when found but died when being taken to the surface. Alexander Clark, 31 Glasgow Road, Denny, manager of the colliery, who made an investigation after the accident, said the pit bottom was well lighted, and there was nothing except the rails to trip a man up. The cage seat was protected by an iron safety bar 2ft 9in from the ground. It has always proved an efficient protection till the present case. Questioned about the deceased stumbling into the cage seat, witness said if he had stumbled the body would have been lying half in and half out of the cage seat. Have you come to the conclusion that if he stumbled he must have been in the cage seat at the time? - I don't know. Do you put forward the possibility that he was crossing the cage seat? - He might have stumbled outside, but if so, I don't see how he could roll in. Mr Potter - If he passed through the cage standing full up would he not have been more badly damaged about the head than he was? - I could not say. Addressing the jury, Sheriff Umpherston said if they knew exactly how Donachie got into the cage bottom there might be room to add something to a formal verdict, but without knowing that it seemed to him that it would be useless to say anything more. He did not think they need bother making up their minds whether Donachie slipped or went into the cage seat by another act. That was a matter that would be decided when the case was heard in another court. The jury accordingly returned a formal verdict. [Dunfermline Journal 13 June 1931]

28 August 1931

Killed By Roof Fall - The jury [at a FAI] next considered the case of Joseph Garrity, coal miner, 39 Richmond Place, Lochgelly, who died on 28th August in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital from injuries sustained by him on 27th August in No 2 Mary Pit, Lochore, in the course of his employment as a brusher, being caught by a fall from the roof in his working place. Alexander Burden, brusher, 12a Hunter Street, Lochgelly, said deceased was knocking in a tree to support the roof when the back swing of the mash hammer he was using struck a prop, causing a considerable fall. Garrity was pretty badly injured about the legs, a stone three feet long by three feet thick having fallen on them. It was a pure mischance. A formal verdict was returned. [Dunfermline Journal 3 October 1931]

15 September 1931

Run Over By Waggons - A similar verdict [formal verdict at a FAI] was returned in the case of Gavin Currie, locomotive driver, 23 Durward Street, Lochore, who died on 15th September at Lochore Colliery, from injuries received by him in the course of his industrial employment by being run over by a number of railway waggons. Evidence was given that the accident was probably caused by deceased slipping on the rising ground and falling under one of the waggons when he was assisting in the shunting of waggons in the siding. Deceased, when found, was lying on the south rail with his legs badly fractured. The shunting pole he was using was also fractured. [Dunfermline Journal 3 October 1931]

16 August 1932

Pit Fatalities In Fife - Dunfermline Court Inquiry - Four Mining Accidents - Four pit fatalities in West Fife were the subject of inquiries before Sheriff Umpherston at Dunfermline to-day.
Roof Fall. - Three tons of stone was stated to have fallen on Joseph Sharp Morton, miner, 138 Waverley Cottages. Lochore, who was killed in No 1 Pit. Lochore, on 16th August. Charles Delap, miner, 2 Castle Avenue, Crosshill, said he had been helping Morton put some hutches on the rails. A heavy fall came away from the roof and overwhelmed Morton, who was dead when they got him out. Thomas Delap, colliery fireman, the father of the previous witness, said he examined the place where the fall came from and found nothing wrong with it. The props were in and there were no flaws in the roof at the time of his examination. About three tons of stone had fallen from the roof and killed Morton. The only cause of the fall of which he could think was that the weight had broken a prop. Charles Hutchison, colliery manager, Lochore House, Lochore, said the system of propping by props was only a temporary system until the steel girders came down to that part of the road. Flaws in Roof - Asked if the flaws in the roof could have been seen by the fireman in his inspection three hours before the accident, witness said he would have seen one but not the other. The lights were running across the road, which meant they were not so dangerous as if they had been running the whole length. Asked if he thought there were indications of coal being worked improperly there, witness said it appeared there had been some coal stolen from the stopps, but it could not be said who did so. There were two hutches with coal which could not have fallen from the roof. A formal verdict was returned at the conclusion of this inquiry and also at the conclusion of that into the death of John Birrell……[Evening Telegraph 20 October 1932]

10 September 1932

Pit Fatalities In Fife - Dunfermline Court Inquiry - Four Mining Accidents - Four pit fatalities in West Fife were the subject of inquiries before Sheriff Umpherston at Dunfermline to-day. One of the victims was a 68-year-old man, John Mackenzie, colliery pump man, Flockhouse Cottage, Lochore. Mackenzie died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on 10th September from injuries received in No. 1 Pit, Glencraig Colliery, on 8th September. He was struck by a race of hutches. Archibald Kerr, underground fireman, 31 Zetland Place, Lochgelly, said he heard a signal from a motorman indicating that the hutches had gone off the rails, and in going up to put them on the rails again he found Mackenzie badly hurt. He said that he had been in a hurry and had not heard the hutches coming down and had been run into. Witness agreed that he was a little deaf. Power To Use Signals - In answer to Mr R. J. Waugsh, the fiscal, witness said that deceased had been repeatedly warned to be very careful. He was allowed to travel on the roads, but had the power to use the signals to stop and start the brakes on the haulage roads. James Dick, overman, 1 Manse Road, Lochgelly, said Mackenzie's successor could not possibly come by his death in the same way. Travelling up the dook when the haulage was running was absolutely stopped. Advising a formal verdict, Sheriff Umpherston said they might add that Mackenzie's death was due to travelling the haulage road when the haulage was motion. That was not blaming him at all, it was merely drawing attention to the danger of such thing. [Evening Telegraph 20 October 1932]

19 July 1933

Fife Mining Fatality - Alexander Westwater, son of William Westwater , 12 Sligo Street, Lumphinnans, near Cowdenbeath , has died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital as the result of a mining accident which occurred on Friday last at Glencraig colliery , belonging to the Wilson and Clyde Coal Co. A sad feature of the tragedy was that Westwater was actually completing his last shift prior to going on holiday. He was struck in front of the body by a rope, and sustained very severe injuries. Deceased, who was 22 years of age, was unmarried. [Scotsman 21 July 1933]

5 July 1934

Peter Hogg, a miner, of Cowdenbeath, was killed yesterday in a mining accident at Lochore, near Cowdenbeath. He was crushed by a hutch on a haulage road and was so severely injured that he died almost immediately. [The Times July 6 1934]

24 September 1935

COWDENBEATH MINER'S SUDDEN DEATH - Collapse at Work - George Hogg, who resided at Thistle Street, Cowdenbeath, a well-known Cowdenbeath man has died in very tragic circumstances. Hogg who was 66 years of age, was employed as a miner. At his work at a late hour last night in Glencraig Colliery, at Lochore, he collapsed and fell. Assistance was at once forthcoming, but Hogg had expired immediately. Deceased leaves a widow and a large grown-up family. A sad feature is that fourteen months ago a son, Peter Hogg, was killed in the same colliery. [Evening Telegraph 25 September 1935]

11 June 1936

Miner's Heroism Praised at Fatal Accident Inquiry - The jury at a fatal accident inquiry at Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday expressed admiration for the heroism of several Fife miners who had gone to the rescue of a companion who was partly buried by a fall of stones. The inquiry was with regard to the death of William Baxter, miner, 17 Castle Avenue, Crosshill, who died on June 11 in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital from injuries received that day as the result of a fall of stones from the roof in the underground workings of No. 1 Pit, Lochore Colliery. Thomas Ferrier, colliery fireman, 36 Montrose Crescent, Lochore, said that after Baxter had been buried under the material and another fall was threatening, he called for volunteers to get him out. Two miners, Archibald Davidson, Tushielaw, Lochore, and Robert Gibson, 103 Waverley Street, Lochore, went in and helped to get Baxter clear, and another man named Harrower removed some stones that were lying on Baxter's feet. It was at great personal risk that they got him out. Other witnesses stated that Ferrier had also exposed himself to great danger in leading the rescue operations. Sheriff-Substitute Umpherston said he thought the jury would like to add to their formal verdict their recognition of the way in which the men had behaved, undergoing personal risk in trying to save Baxter. [Scotsman 19 June 1936]

4 July 1936

Fife Pit Fatality - John Pratt (58), a brusher, who resided at 23 Montrose Street, Lochore, died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Saturday morning as the result of injuries received the previous night in an accident at No. 2 Pit, Lochore Colliery. His hand was caught between the belting and pulley of a conveyor, and, before the machinery could be stopped, his arm was dragged in. [Scotsman 6 July 1936]

25 November 1936

A 15-year old Fife pithead worker received fatal injuries in an accident at Glencraig colliery, belonging to Wilsons & Clyde Coal Co. (Ltd.) He was Andrew Peattie, Pharmacy Buildings, Crosshill, Glencraig. He was working at the picking tables on the pithead, and during his shift was missed by some of his workmates, who thought he must have gone home. Later, however, the engineman in charge of the pithead machinery was horrified to find him trapped in the dross conveyor. He had sustained serious injuries, and was dead when extricated. The cause of the accident is unknown, but it seems that the lad must have been caught in the machinery. Following the accident, the pit was idle yesterday morning. [Scotsman 27 November 1936]

18 June 1937

Fife Miner Killed - Robert Ferguson, miner, aged 40, Ivanhoe Avenue, Lochore, Fife, was fatally injured yesterday in an accident at the Mary Colliery, Lochore, belonging to the Fife Coal Co. He was working in the Mynheer section when he was trapped by a fall of coal. He leaves a widow and family. [Scotsman 19 June 1937]

24 June 1937

Lochore Man Fatally Injured - A well-known West Fife colliery supervisor, Robert Kay, (60), Ballingry Road, Lochore, was fatally injured in the No. 2 Pit at the Mary Colliery, Lochore, yesterday. He was working in the Bank Seam section when a large stone fell on him from the roof. The pit was idle yesterday in consequence of the accident. Deceased leaves a wife and family. [ Scotsman, 25th June 1937]

9 August 1937

Fife Miner Fatally Injured In Pit - A Cowdenbeath miner, George Allan (39), 444 Broad Street, has died in Dunfermline and West of Fife Hospital from injuries received in a haulage accident at Glencraig Colliery on Monday. Allan, who was married, was employed in a seam in No. 2 Pit. The colliery was idle yesterday because of the accident. [Scotsman 11 August 1937]

22 August 1937

Robert Baillie, pithead worker (16) son of George Baillie, pit inspector, Mungall Street, Lumphinnans, Fife, lost his life while employed at No. 1 Lumphinnans Colliery yesterday. John Davie, a fellow-worker, on hearing a cry turned round and saw Baillie disappearing over the creeper drum of the picking tables. The machinery was at once stopped, but the lad was found to be dead. [Scotsman 23 August 1937]

19 March 1938

Stone Miners Death: Accident In Mine - A stone miner, James Brennan (44), Main Street, Glencraig, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Saturday following injuries received in an accident at the Mary Colliery, Lochore, belonging to the Fife Coal Company, Ltd. Brennan leaves a widow and two of a family. Two other men - George Hunter, stone miner, 22 South Glencraig, and Alec Weavil, mine supervisor, Kilsyth, had a narrow escape. The three men were working in the North Stone Mines when, it is understood, an explosion occurred. Coal was hurled from the face and struck the men down. An investigation is being made into the cause of the accident. [Glasgow Herald 21 March 1938]

Explosion Mystery - Miner Killed While Hammering Steel Pin - Witnesses' Theory - What was described as a mysterious fatal accident was the subject of an inquiry in Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday. The victim of the accident was James Brennan, miner, Bird's Buildings, North Glencraig, who died on March 19 in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital from injuries received the previous day in the underground workings of Lochore Colliery, as a result of being struck by a quantity of material projected by an explosion from the coal-face of his working-place. It was explained by witnesses that Brennan was one of a number of men who were engaged driving a stone mine in the colliery. After a number of shot-holes in the "pavement" had been fired, it was found that a steel pin driven into the face, which was used as an anchorage for a mechanical scraper, had become loose owing to the concussion. Brennan was told to tighten it up by driving it farther into the face. At the first or second blow of his hammer on the pin there was an explosion. Brennan was fatally injured, and another man who was standing close behind him received slight injuries. Witnesses stated that the steel pin was about seven feet from the ground, somewhere near the line of the shots that had been fired by the night shift, and they agreed that the pin might have been driven into part of an unexploded charge. Sheriff-Substitute F. A. Umpherston, addressing the jury, said that it seemed a very mysterious accident, but he did not think there was anything they could suggest which could prevent the same thing happening again. The jury returned a formal verdict. [Scotsman 20 May 1938]

21 June 1938

Fife Mining Fatality - Survivor Fined For Breach of Rules - A fatal accident which occurred recently in No. 1 Pit, Glencraig Colliery, had a sequel at Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday, when George Anderson, colliery repairer, 4 Balbedie Terrace, Lochore, pleaded guilty to a contravention of the Coal Mines Act. He admitted that on June 21 he travelled on foot on the haulage road in Robertson's Mine in that colliery while the haulage was in motion, the haulage being worked by mechanical power. The Procurator-Fiscal (Mr H. J, Waugh) said that this was a very steep incline, about 500 yards long. The men did not usually walk up it, even when the haulage was not running. They waited till the close of the shift, and were hauled up in men bogies. On this occasion accused and a man named Connelly arrived at the foot of the mine about half an hour before the haulage stopped. Connelly took it into his head to walk up, and Anderson followed him. When they were near the top a race of hutches broke away and came down. Connelly was killed, but Anderson escaped without injury. An agent for accused said that Connelly told Anderson he had a pick at the top of the mine, and that he would like to get it before the shift finished. He did not know whether the Sheriff would think it necessary to impose a penalty, because, of the two men concerned, one was dead and the other had had an experience he would never forget. Sheriff-Substitute F. A. Umpherston imposed a fine of £2, with the alternative of 20 days imprisonment. [Scotsman 5 July 1938]

6 January 1940

KILLED IN "MYSTERY" ACCIDENT - In the inquiry into the death of Duncan M'Galloway (54), colliery washerman, Tushielaw, Lochore, witnesses said they were unable to state definitely how the accident had occurred. M'Galloway died on January 6 in the coal washery at Lochore Colliery, having been killed by falling into a water channel and suffocated. George Anderson (28), colliery washerman, 4 Balbeddie Terrace, Lochore, said that he missed M'Galloway about eleven o'clock and wondered what was wrong. He went to the first floor, but M'Galloway was not there. He was returning through the second floor when he saw some rags attached to a flywheel. Witness stopped the machinery immediately and informed the surface foreman. After search they found M'Galloway’s body about 15 to 20 feet from where they had seen the rags. Apart from the clothing caught on the flywheel, he found nothing to give him a clue as to how the accident had happened. Only Evidence - George Hutchison, Belmont, Cowdenbeath, agent for the Lochore Colliery, said it was possible that M'Galloway had come in contact with the key on the flywheel in stepping round about it when the machinery was in motion. The only evidence they had was the clothing lying about the flywheel. Sheriff Umpherston returned a formal verdict. [Evening Telegraph 1 February 1940]

26 April 1940

Formal verdicts were also returned in the following cases:- James Duncan, coal miner, Parkview Place, Lochgelly, who died on April 26 in hospital from the effects of injuries sustained on February 7 in Glencraig Colliery underground workings, caused by a fall from the roof. [Evening Telegraph 23 May 1940]

29 August 1940

MINER DIES OF INJURIES - James Provan (46), miner, Clune Crescent, Glencraig, has died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital as the result of injuries received through a fall of coal at the Nellie Pit. [Evening Telegraph 31 August 1940]

6 May 1941

Fife Boy Killed in Colliery Accident – A 15-year old lad, Charles Dempsey, son of the late John Dempsey and of Mrs Dempsey, Dumbiedykes, Lochore, was the victim of a fatal accident in Glencraig Colliery yesterday. Employed as a wood boy, he was working in the Lochgelly mine No. 2 pit when a stone fell from the roof, pinned him to the ground and suffocated him. Dempsey was well known in Lochore, and had been a member of Lochore Institute Physical Culture Club. [Evening Telegraph 6 May 1941]

18 November 1942

Cowdenbeath Miner Killed At Work - John Laing (40), miner, who resided at South Glencraig, was killed this morning in No. 12 Pit of the North Lumphinnans Colliery belonging to the Fife Coal Co. Cowdenbeath. Laing was working as a "packer" when he was struck by a fall from the roof and was killed instantaneously. He leaves a wife and one child. [Evening Telegraph 18 November 1942]