1973 – Brooks, Clifford

Source: Derbyshire Times

1973 – CLIFFORD BROOKS, Deputy, 58

Clifford Brooks of 138 Alma Road, North Wingfield, was a Deputy at Oxcroft for nineteen years before his transfer to Markham Colliery where he only worked for three months.  He was due to work the night-shift on Monday, but agreed to a fatal last minute switch because a workmate was on holiday.  Clifford left a widow, and was cremated at Brimington.

Clifford was commemorated in July 2020 in Zone 2, see the map here. The location of the artwork can be found in zone 11 on the trail map which can be downloaded here.

 

Derbyshire Times 3rd August 1973

Monday’s tragedy claimed, two life-long friends and workmates at Oxcroft Colliery for over 20 years – Mr. Clifford Brookes and Mr Charlie Turner. They had been drinking together at a local pub on Sunday evening, only a few hours before the tragedy occurred. Mr Brookes (58) of 138 Alma Road, North Wingfield, was a deputy at Oxcroft for 19 years before his transfer to Markham Colliery only three months ago. He was due to work the night-shift on Monday, but agreed to a fatal last minute switch because a workmate was on holiday. A native of Holmewood, he had been a miner all his working life. He leaves a widow.

 

Further Information

Markham Colliery 1973 disaster

List of miners killed in the 1973 disaster.

 

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