Hello There,
Thank-you for a great website, its heart-warming to see the men and boys of the West Stanley Pit disaster are not forgotten.

My name is Frances Simpson and I am the great granddaughter of William Crozier senior who, along with two of his sons were all three killed in that explosion on 16th Feb 1909.

I note on the list of persons killed you have made mistakes relating to the cause of death for my Great Grandfather William Crozier senior. 55 yrs. A coal hewer.  He did in fact die from Dioxide poisoning.  Caused by explosion while employed in the Towneley seam.

Also incorrect in the cause of death for his son, William Crozier junior. 29 years old. Coal hewer.   He in fact died from  Injuries to head whilst employed in the Busty seam.

Also, all three were living at 12 John St, Stanley at time of death, a street that still stands today and may be visited by family members doing a family search pilgrimage. I have all three death certificates for them so I’m certain of the facts.

I emailed the Durham Mining Museum many years ago to set the record straight but my email went unanswered and no corrections were made.

Best wishes
Frances