Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Saturday 30 January 1909
Miners Buried At Denaby.
Two Hours Without Help.
Yesterday afternoon, at Institute, Denabv Main, Mr. J. Kenyon Parker, Deputy Coroner, held an inquest, on the body George Edward Sheldrake (27), fitter, of Anerley Street, Denaby, who, with collier named Davis, was buried by a fall roof in the Denaby mine on Tuesday night.
Both men remained buried for two hours before help came, and when they were eventually extricated, Sheldrake was dead.
Davis, whose head was just uncovered, was more fortunate, and expected to recover. John Jones, collier, William Lawrence, deputy, and Frank Harwood, assistant deputy, gave evidence. From their collective statements it was gathered that when Jones went into the place he saw that a fall of roof had occurred. Seeing a light, but no men he shouted, “Hullo!”
A voice, which he recognised as that of Davis, replied from under the fall, “Be quick. Jack, and get me out.”
Help was obtained, and the work of rescue started. The head of Davis was got clear in about five minutes, and was finally extricated in an hour. Sheldrake was got clear about twenty minutes after Davis. Sheldrake was then dead, laying face downwards with a broken neck.
The jury brought in a verdict “Accidentally killed.”
Mr. Walker (H.M. Inspector of Mines) and Mr. C. Bury (representing the colliery company) were present.