South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 02 May 1942

What Rescuers Had To Face

Y.M.A. President describes conditions in a special interview with the Dearne Valley representative of the Yorkshire Times,”

Mr. J. A. Hall, J.P., Yorkshire Miners’ President, described the difficult conditions the rescuers overcame. He said at times they were boring through practically solid ground and always in a very hot atmosphere. The diffculty was that only a limited number of men could be employed and actually only one at a time do the boring the others being employed throwing back rock on a sort of human chain with shovels and hoods The bore hole was just over two feet square.

Mr. Hall said “I never lost hope that we should get some out alive, although I did not anticipate that we should rescue such a large number at once.” Mr. Hall said he could not find words to express his admiration for all who had assisted in the rescue efforts. ”Never have I been prouder of the men I represent,” he said. “Their courage and fortitude on this job has been absolutely beyond praise and in accordance with the highest traditions of mining life.”

Mr. Hall also paid special tribute to Major H. J. Humphrys (Divisional Inspector of Mines. He said he is a man of rare courage who was daunted by neither personal danger nor difficulty.”