1973 – JAN KAMINSKI, Development Worker, 58

Jan Kaminski of 58 Station Road, Pilsley, was a former corporal in the Free-Polish Army and after being demobbed in England in 1947 he became a miner at Williamthorpe Colliery.  There he worked as a face-worker until the pit closed and he was transferred to Markham Colliery.  Jan left his wife, Josephine and son, Jan Frank, aged twenty-one years who planned to become a civil engineer.  He was buried at Pilsley Lawn Cemetery. 

Jan was commemorated on 10 December 2020. The location of the artwork can be found in zone 8 on the trail map which can be downloaded here.

 You can watch a short commemorative film here.

Derbyshire Times 3rd August 1973.

A former corporal in the Free-Polish Army, Mr. Jan Kaminski (58), was demobbed in England in 1947, and became a miner at Williamthorpe Colliery. He lived at 58 Station Rod, Pilsley. There he worked as a face-worker until the pit closed two years ago and he was transferred to Markham Colliery. He was a quiet man and many of his workmates did not even know his name. He leaves a widow and one son.

Research by Sandra Struggles:

Jan was married to his French born wife, Josephine and they had a son, Jan Frank, aged 21 years who planned to become a civil engineer.

Further Information

Markham Colliery 1973 disaster

List of miners killed in the 1973 disaster.

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