The Treasure I have to show you today is the only picture I have of my Grandfather. It's quite a sad story, but also something I am extremely proud of.
On the 9th July 1912 there was a major disaster at Cadeby Main Colliery, Yorkshire, England. The first explosion killed 35 men, 53 died in the second explosion, more died from their injuries in the following weeks and months. My Grandfather had finished his work and got out safely after the first explosion, he then volunteered to go down with the rescue party, he was killed in the second explosion. My Grandmother was left with 2 children under 4 and one on the way (my Mum). My Mum never knew her Dad.
As I was writing this I decided to check the internet to make sure I had my facts right when I found this:-
https://sites.google.com/site/conisbroughlocalhistory/denaby-and-cadeby-collieries/1912-cadeby-colliery-disaster/heroes-and-victims-of-the-disaster/davis-william-charles
William Davis was my Grandfather. He was a hero. He was 26 years old when he died.
It was quite a shock to click on this link and suddenly see his face, I haven't seen this article before, I knew all about him going back down the mine, and that he was a hero, but I had no idea he was a footballer, or that he was so well known. I emailed my brother to see if he knew about it, his reply was "I am gob smacked!" LOL
I can only imagine what my Grandmother's life must have been like from that moment on. There was no Social Security in those days, a relief fund was set up and she got 5 shillings a week and 1 shilling for each child under the age of 14, so 7 to 8 shillings (about 35p-40p now) a week to feed and clothe them all.....but she was not alone, 63 women had lost their husbands and 132 children had lost their fathers.
I have the original picture, the one above is a copy I had done and framed it's on my wall together with an original poem of the visit to Cadeby Main by the King and Queen after the disaster.
This year it's the 100 year anniversary of the disaster, there is going to be a Commemoration Day and there is going to be a permanent memorial at the cemetery to the victims of the disaster. I am not sure if I am going to be able to go to the Commemoration Day, but I know next time I am in the UK I will definitely be going to the cemetry to look at the memorial.
Have a happy Tuesday!!
Hugs Linda xx
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