South Yorkshire Times December 8, 1951

Escaped Barnburgh Entombment

Swinton Miner Fatally Injured at Cadeby

John Richard Humphries (40), stone contractor, of 7, Rookery Rd, Swinton, who was fatally injured by a fall at Cadeby Colliery on Wednesday, was one of 13 miners were dug out alive nine years ago after a fall had entombed 17 men in number 6Pit at Barnburgh Main Colliery. He was trapped at Barnburgh for 43 hours

Mr Humphries had been a miner all of his life. He was born in Wolverhampton, and came to Mexborough at the age of 21. As a young man he was keen footballer and played for Roman Terrace, and later Gorehill (Wath) as a halfback.

He was married 27 years ago, and leaves a widow and three children, two married daughters – Mrs Jean Ward and Mrs Edith Barber – and 26 year old son Alan.

Alan follows in his father’s footsteps and play soccer for Denaby Rovers as a goalkeeper, while daughter Edith is a nurse at Derby Isolation Hospital

Mr Humphries, a member of Swinton Victoria Club, was injured at Cadeby Colliery about a month ago when the fall of stone landed on his foot, breaking one of his tells.

At the time of the Barnburgh accident, the family lived at 107, Queen Street, Swinton, and have lived in Rookery Road for four years.

An inquest was opened at Conisbrough yesterday and after evidence of identification, the Doncaster District Coroner (Mr WH Carlile) adjourned the enquiry until Monday.

George Arthur Wood said Humphries was his father-in-law and worked at Cadeby Colliery about three months previously been employed at Barnburgh Main Colliery. He was in good health when he left home on Wednesday morning.