William Alfred (Frederick) Hill (General)

by biddy , Friday, September 29, 2006, 23:07 (6630 days ago) @ Rachel Hill

Hi Rachel

Yes, you got the year quite right. As I expect the article says, we have recorded your great grandfather's death in Gloucester Hospital on November 14th, after dislocating his hip on the coal conveyor on November 5th 1936.

I'm afraid the mines aren't really my speciality, although we have some very knowledgeable members in the Society! However, I do know there are various books on the subject - and they'll almost certainly include something on the Princess Royal. I just put the name in my browser and came up with several.

As you may know, the Society has been actively involved in campaigning to save the pithead baths at the Princess Royal - not, I hasten to add, because of architectural merit (!) - but as part of the Forest's heritage. One of our members has written an article on the mine's history, which should be published in next year's journal.

As for mine deaths, there were, of course, official records, but these have tended to get scattered. It has taken years of research to put together our current list, but, as I mentioned, even then some 'new' cases are still emerging.

If you're really interested in the Princess Royal, the grandfather of one of my friends also worked there, so I'll ask if he's got any more information.

Biddy