My dad was a Bevin Boy between 1943 and 1945. His name is Harold Bullock (probably known as Harry) and he was at Rainworth Colliery, Mansfield and had digs in Walkden Street, Mansfield, which he thinks was opposite the Raleigh Bike factory.

He lost contact with nearly everyone, but would be pleased to rediscover others who were there at the same time.

Many thanks, Lynda Bullock (daughter).

Jack Armstrong

I am wondering if there is anyone who can still remember Bill Hatcher, I worked on Hights on Face 21.

First job was cleaning up in front of cutter, I also done the cable pulling, I also worked with the cutting machine. I can only remember two names Aurther Hutchby who lived at Langley Mill & Jack Oakie who came from Ilkeston. I was billeted with my aunt at Shipley school house Heanor Rd Ilkeston.

Hi
I was wondering if there is a list somewhere of Bevin Boys who worked at Calverton Colliery?

Mick Lloyd

Hi Fionn,
My father Harry Crossland (born 1925) was a Bevin Boy at a Doncaster colliery. I lost my dad in 1984 and although I remember as a boy he used to tell me stories of life in the pit - canaries, ponies, paddy train, snap tins, narrow seams, pit props and hard graft. I know it was near Doncaster but I don't remember which pit he was based at - I think it was Bentley but my uncle thinks it was Brodsworth.

If anyone has any information I would love to hear. I see that you already have a message from Rex Staples from Bentley.

My husband was a Bevin Boy, starting his training on the day after his eighteenth birthday on November 27th 1944. He served in the mines for four years until 1948. A number of people have told me that there is now a medal to be awarded to the Bevin Boys. Could you please send me details as to how I go about applying for a medal for my husband, who is now eighty years of age?

My husband's name is David John Watkins. Date of birth 26th November 1926. He trained in Oakdale Colliery, Monmouthshire and worked in Cefn Coed Colliery, Crynant, Glamorganshire.

I should be very grateful for any information available.
S.B.Rita Watkins,

Neath
West Glamorgan
South Wales.

You need to contact the Bevin Boy's Association

I am looking for a Bevin Boy who was sent to work in Yorkshire and was there while 1945. I think he worked in the coalmine called Hickleton Colliery in South Yorkshire. He lodged with a family called Knox in Deightonby street Thurnscoe.

Also have you heard of a Bevin boy who worked in the Yorkshire coalfields that might have been caught using a travel warrant meant for a soldier?

Ann Cook

Where Have All The Miners Records Gone?

Hi Fionn
Can I just ask you another question, have you ever heard of Coalhouse in Doncaster? Doesn't exist now of course but all the records were kept there. Do you know who might have all those old records?

Sarah at Iron Mountain couldn't help at all. She must have just read the letter and sent it straight back in the next post.

I have seen programme son TV where they go back into records way into the 1800's yet when it comes to the miners you can't find any records, or is it because they are TV and can get into anywhere where there are records.

Regards
Ann

All I can find is, from the BBC Website, Civic and Cultural Quarter, 16th January 2008:-

The present Council House, one of the tallest buildings in Doncaster - also known as The Coal House - will be demolished. Discussions are ongoing to find a high profile retailer for this location. The current Waterdale Shopping Centre is not part of the scheme, as it is hoped that the rest of the developments will draw people to the area and have a positive impact on this precinct.

My father-in-law was a Bevin boy in Kent from 1943, at possibly the Snowden or Bettshanger collieries he is 81 years old and would love to recount his many memories and times down the mines, his name is Mr Ernest Denne originally from Ashford Kent but now lives in Canterbury, for further information please contact me,

Yours Sincerely,

Mr A. Grove