Cadeby Pit Disaster of 1912
The Edward Medal awarded for Gallantry
In May 1913, Medals were awarded for gallantry displayed after the explosions which occurred on 9th July, 1912 at Cadeby Colliery. These men displayed great courage, and set a splended example in the face of the disaster. Throughout their rescue work the risk of further explosions and roof falls was always present.
The King awarded the Edward Medal of the first class to:
- G. Fisher
- H. Hulley, colliery deputies at Cadeby Colliery
The Edward Medal of the second class was awarded to:
- J. E. Chambers, colliery manager at Cortonwood Colliery
- W. H. Prince, colliery contractor
- Herbert Williamson, mechanical engineer at Denaby & Cadeby Collieries
- Sergeant W, Winch, instructor at Wath Rescue Station
Harriet Kirby
Mrs. Harriet Kirby, of Bolton Street, Denaby Main, was a nursing sister of the Order of St. John (St. John's Ambulance Brigade) Denaby Main branch who gave invaluable service and after care to the victims and their relatives.
Harriet and her colleagues had the unenviable task of preparing bodies for identification and burial.
Her impressive array of medals, included one presented to her by King George Vth when he reviewed the branch and thanked them for their help at the disaster.
Harriet had 4 daughters and 4 sons.
One daughter, Mrs. Harriet Dickens, was also a serving member of the St. John's Ambulance Brigade.
The photograph,opposite, was taken just before she died, in 1937, aged 89.
She was at the time the oldest serving nurse of Denaby Main branch of the St. John's Ambulance Brigade.
©2004