1938 – Gregory, Bernard
1938 – BERNARD GREGORY, Timber Drawer, 34
Bernard Gregory lived at Barlborough Common and was a promising footballer until he broke his leg a few years prior to the disaster. He was a native-born resident of the village and was a bachelor. His father was also employed in the mining industry as a hewer, and his oldest brother, George William was employed as an underground pony driver. Bernard was buried with nine other Barlborough men in a mass grave in Barlborough cemetery.
The commemoration took place on 16th September 2019. The location of the artwork can be found in zone 15 on the trail map which can be downloaded here.
Markham Vale Heritage Group research:
Bernard Gregory was born in Barlborough on the 14thMay 1903. His parents were Herbert Gregory (1871 – 1953) and Elizabeth Ann Kirkham (1876 – 1918). Both of his parents were native to Barlborough. They had married on Christmas Eve 1891 in Barlborough and Bernard was their fourth of ten children. On the 1901 Census his parents were living on California in Barlborough. The street had been named after the Californian Gold Rush. It is likely that Bernard was born there. Bernard was christened in St James Church, Barlborough on the 5thJuly 1903. In 1910 Bernard started his schooling at Barlborough Hall Primary School. On the 1911 Census, Bernard aged seven, is living with his parents and six siblings in Barlborough. The address in Barlborough is not shown on the Census return. His father was employed as a coal miner- hewer, and his oldest brother, George William, aged sixteen was employed as an underground pony driver.
Bernard was killed in the 10thMay 1938 Markham Colliery disaster. At the time he was living at Barlborough Common, Barlborough and was employed at the colliery as a timber drawer. He was unmarried.
Derbyshire Times
Bernard Gregory, Barlboro’ Common was a promising footballer until he broke his leg a few years ago. He was a native-born resident of the village and was a bachelor.
A year after the disaster there was a memorial service in Barlborough in remembrance of the 11 Barlborough victims. The Derbyshire Times 19.05.1939 reported the following:
AT BARLBOROUGH
There was a large attendance of relations and friends at Barlboro’ Church on Sunday evening, for a memorial service in remembrance of the 11 Barlboro’ victims of the disaster. Mr P.E. Hibbard (safety officer) represented the Staveley Coal and Iron Co. and the Markham Colliery. Canon E.G. Walmsley (Rector) conducted the service, and the hymns “O God our help,” “Jesus lives!” and Jesu, lover of my soul” were sung. The organist being Mr. Henry Thompson, who also played “I know that my Redeemer liveth.” Prayers were offered for the bereaved families and for all who are still suffering from the effects of the disaster, and the Rector read the names of the Barlboro’ men who died, the congregation standing meanwhile. The singing of “Abide with me” brought an impressive service to a close.
In the same year relatives placed an ‘In Memoriam’ notice in the Derbyshire Times.
GREGORY. – In loving memory of BERNARD GREGORY, who lost his life in the Markham Disaster, May 10th1938.
“One of the best”
From Hilda and Peggy
Further information can be downloaded here:
Further Information
Markham Colliery 1938 disaster
List of miners killed and injured in the 1938 disaster
List of miners killed in the 1938 disaster who were buried in Barlborough
If you have any information to contribute to the research please contact us.
