Mexborough and Swinton Times July 19, 1919

Thurnscoe’s Part in the War

At Home

There is only one industry connected, with Thurnscoe, that of coal-mining. The Hickleton Main colliery is one of the largest single pits in South Yorkshire—the manager being Mr. John Minnikin.

Immediately before war broke out, it employed about 3,500 men, and the daily output of coal was approximately 5,000 tons per day. Owing to the rush of miners to the colours, and the subsequent drafts sent away under the Military Service Acts, the output has considerably declined. A greater burden has been cast on those left behind, and other causes of the decrease are undoubtedly the lack of sufficient nourishing food to keep up the necessary fitness of health, and also the attacks of influenza which seriously affected the colliery districts.

in estimating the state of public feeling throughout the four and half years of war, one can say most emphatically, there has been a keen patriotism on all sides, and a loyal endeavour to shoulder the burdens placed on us, and a grim determination to see the war brought to a victorious conclusion.

There has been no apparent pacifism or defeatism, and the people at home have been inspired by the sacrifices of those who have borne the brunt of the fighting, and have determined to give all support on the “home front.”

There is no doubt that the religions life of the community has considerably helped to keep up the public spirit and the “moral” of the inhabitants. All the national days of religious observance were kept, and the places of worship filled, the public bodies setting an official example in attending.

Intercession Services, held weekly, were attended by large numbers, who came to pray for loved ones far away, and in grave danger.

Thurnscoe was, of course, in the air-raid area, and many times the warning cry of the “Specials” was heard, “Lights out.” Bombs were heard dropping in many of the raids near and far.

During September, 1917, Thurnscoe received the attention of the “air pirates” for the first and last time. Between 2.30 and 3 o’clock in the morning a Zeppelin passed across the village and dropped a number of aerial torpedoes.

The Rectory was damaged, and many windows broken, as also were windows in Togo Buildings, Bateman Square, High Street, etc. Fortunately beyond this material damage, no harm was done though it was a miracle that no lives were lost.

A public thanksgiving service for safe delivery from grave danger, arranged by the Rev. C. F. Twitchett, was held in the Parish Church the same night and the church was filled to its utmost capacity.

Individual memorials in the shape of gifts given to the Churches in Thurnscoe have already been made. But a public meeting is shortly to be called to settle on what lines Thurnscoe shall make its commemoration.

A large sum of money has already been subscribed, and no doubt the memorial to be erected will not only commemorate the glorious dead, but will also be of some utility to the suffering living.