Mexborough and Swinton Times May 17, 1919

Pony Driver Killed

Mr Frank Allen held an inquest on Saturday touching the death of Fred Birkinshaw (14), pony driver of Church St, Thurnscoe, was killed at the Hickleton Main Colliery on Thursday afternoon.

Fred Birkinshaw, Church street, Thurnscoe, identified deceased as his son, and said the boy had only been employed down the mine for weeks.

William Cambridge, miner, of Sunny View, Goldthorpe, stated that just after 3 PM on Thursday Birkinshaw brought his pony to fetch some full          tubs out of the stall where he (witness) was working. In attempting to turn the pony round to back him into the stall, he (Birkinshaw) let go of the pony’s head. The pony being frisky, backed away and caught a prop which was the immediate cause of the accident. There was a terrible noise and eight to ten tons of dirt fell on Birkinshaw. He himself had to run to escape injury. After the dust had cleared he went straight to the boy’s assistance, and spoke to him, but received no reply. He must have been killed instantly. He had continually warned deceased not to get too near the props with the pony. He had also warned him to be careful in turning the pony round.

Alfred Dawson, George Street, Thurnscoe East, said at the time of the accident he was at the coal face filling jobs for the boy to fetch away. He came quickly to the scene, but deceased was dead before he could be extricated.

A verdict of “Accidental death” was returned.