1973 – WILFRED RODGERS, Face Worker, 59

Wilfred Rodgers of 37, Spital Lane, Chesterfield, where he had lived nearly all of his life, had worked at Markham Colliery for over thirty years.  He saw active service with the Royal Artillery and 8th Army in the famous North Africa campaign of 1942, including the decisive battle at El Alamein.  He returned to Markham after demobilisation.  He was a keen gardener.  He left a widow, a son and a daughter.  Wilfred was cremated in Brimington. 

Wilfred 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.

Mr. Wilfred Rodgers (59) of 37, Spital Lane, Chesterfield, had worked at Markham Colliery for over 30 years. He saw active service with the 8th Army in the famous North Africa campaign of 1942, including the decisive battle at El Alamein. He returned to Markham after demobilization. He leaves a widow, a son and a daughter. Cremation is today at 2.30 p.m. at Chesterfield.

Research by Sandra Struggles:

Wilfred Rodgers was a Ripper at Markham Colliery. He lived at 37 Spital Lane, Chesterfield  where he had lived nearly all of his life. He served with the Royal Artillery and 8th Army.

He was a keen gardener.

Further Information

Markham Colliery 1973 disaster

List of miners killed in the 1973 disaster.

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