Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Friday 06 December 1907

Gallant Rescue at Hickleton Main.

A young miner named Arthur Robinson, aged 21, had a terrible experience while following his employment at the Hickleton Main Colliery on Wednesday night.

He was on the afternoon shift with his brother engaged in the North district of the mine. Shortly after eight o’clock, whilst carrying out his duty by drawing props out of “waste,” the “gob’’ broke down, the softs falling suddenly upon him and burying him. To use a phrase well known in the pit, it was the first time they had “broke” this new place, and the first weight brought it down. There were nine yards of very tender stuff above the coal, and was mixed with ironstone bands. When relieved this material runs down like sand.

It came down in a heavy bulk upon this poor miner. Assistance was quickly forthcoming, the manager (Mr. Minikin), the under manager (Mr. J. Creddle), Dr. Creig’ and others being on the spot, and the work of rescue was resorted to gallantly. Unhappily other falls of the roof followed and when Robinson looked like being released he was again partially buried.

Gallant efforts were made to keep the man’s face clear as each fall occurred, and it is said the agony of the man was so great that he asked his brother to put an end to his existence. Eventually the rescuers triumphed, but not before Robinson had been partially buried over three hours.

He was got out alive, however, about midnight, and dispatched to the Mexbro’ Hospital in a somewhat serious condition.