South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 19 December 1942

Struck By Chain

Barnburgh Mineworker’s Death

A verdict of “Accidental Death” was recorded by the Doncaster District. Coroner (Mr. W. H. Cathie) at a Mexborough inquest yesterday on George Albert Jarvis (42), rope man, of 87, Frederick Street. Goldthorpe, who died in the Montagu Hospital on Tuesday from injuries received a few hours earlier while working at Barnburgh Main Colliery.

William Gallear, rope splicer, 10, Melton Avenue. Goldthorpe, said on Tuesday, he was working in East 9 District, with Jarvis and a man named Rawson. They were changing the safety pads on an engine when the full chain rope broke and hit Jarvis under the jaw. He was knocked unconscious, but regained consciousness after five minutes and said “What’s up?”

Dr. John Wilson, Resident Surgical Officer at the Hospital, said when Jarvis was admitted at 6.45 a.m. he was conscious, shocked, and appeared to have a little difficulty in his breathing and speaking.

There was a laceration extending forwards and under his chin.  Under the lacerations there was a compete fracture of the jaw which could be seen and felt. Towards the end of the operation breathing got worse and Jarvis died about 8.30. The cause of death was asphyxia, due to absorption of blood from the compound fracture.