More than 1800 mine workers have been killed in the Hunter Valley coal mines since mining began.
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They include the four casualties of the Gretley Colliery mining disaster.
On November 14, 1996, Edward Batterham, 24, Damon Murray, 19, John Hunter, 36, and Mark Kaiser, 30, drowned in a mining shaft 150 metres underground after they drilled into a flooded shaft at the Gretley Colliery.
We take a look back to the Hunter’s mining history and the loss the community has experienced as a result of mining disasters.
Leave your messages for the lost miners below.
These photos have been supplied by the University of Newcastle's Cultural Collections with the help of the Vera Deacon Regional History Fund.
For more information visit https://uoncc.wordpress.com/vera-deacon-fund/ and to donate to the fund visit: http://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/benefactors/new
Messages for our lost miners
“Rest in peace”.
“We must always remember these brave men and what their families have lost forever,” Linda (A coal miner's daughter).
“Although my husband Brian Drinkwater has gone he will never be forgotten, he lives everyday within my sons Dwayne and Chad. He will never be forgotten,” Gwen Drinkwater.
“Remembering all who went to work one day and never came home. Condolences to the family, workmates and friends who waited, watched and hoped. May the names of those taken way too soon forgotten. May the eternal flame of the miners lamp burn forevermore”.
“My grandfather received a commendation for saving his mates in the Bellbird disaster but I have no other information on this. My thoughts are with all who have lost their lives,” Terry Carr.
“I lost a brother 20 years ago and think about him every day, he should have left work as healthy has he arrived at work but never came home. Mark you are missed so much and will never be forgotten,” Glen.
“RIP Edward John Mark and Damon 20 years ago since that fatal shift four great work mates lost forever. It seems like yesterday. All ways remembered never forgotten,” John Blackham.
“To The Gretley 4 - Taken way before due time. Mark Kaiser you are sorely missed but the memories you have left will never be taken & will always leave those thinking of you with one of your cheeky grins. A special person that touched many lives lucky enough to have known you,” Y.N.W.A.
“An uncle I never got to meet but will forever be remembered through stories and the love my grandparents have for Mark xx,” Ellen.
“20 years has past but barely a day goes by where i don't think about one of the best mates I have ever had John Hunter you will never be forgotten I would give anything just to have one more schooner with you I am looking forward to catching up with you one day my friend,” Bill Borthwick.
“Never got to meet my uncle mark but I can only imagine the man he would be today, you always come up in family conversation and you will forever be in all of our hearts xx”.
“Always on our mind Damon Murray. So glad to have spent so much time with you when you were young,” Love from Aunty Robyn and family.
“Deepest sympathy for the young miners killed at Gretley and all miners killed in the Hunter RIP,” Pamela Lean.
“Missing my brother mark today we must remember and learn from blood on coal so it doesn't happen again,” Dave.
“Life has never been the same when you didn't come home from work on this day 20 years ago, miss you Mark”.
“Words cant say what my family have been feeling for the past 20 years, not a day goes by with out thinking of my Cousin Damon Murray, Miss you mate,” Jason Murray.
“In loving memory of my father, Brian Drinkwater who lost his life working at Myuna Bay Colliery. His death is a constant reminder of the dangers these brave men faced and still face everyday. You will never be forgotten,” Chad Drinkwater.
“In memory of toothy Carroll catho pit never forgotten,” Goldy.
“In memory of my grandfather and cousin. Never forgotten. Killed in separate mine cave inns,” Vicki B.
“Being the granddaughter of an underground miner, I've heard my pop tell many stories on how scary it got some times, my deepest condolences to the families and though it may of been years ago now, the sadness may get easier, but memories you have will always remain just remember to highlight the good ones over the bad”.
“I love my coal miner. Thoughts to all the families that have lost loved ones. Rest in Peace Miners,” Jan Jones.
“We remember a mate *forever young* who went to work and never came home that day”.
“So sad, thing's like this should never happen, my love and thoughts to all of the families who have lost their loved ones in a mining disaster,” Wendy.
“My father is Mark Kaiser, i still miss him everyday”.
“I went to school with Mark and he was a really lovely guy, my thoughts are with his loving family today”.
“In memory of my father who died at Richmond main mine 60 years ago. I would have loved to have know you”.
Dominica Sanda
Group Digital Journalist with the Newcastle Herald bringing news - in all forms - to the Hunter and beyond.
Group Digital Journalist with the Newcastle Herald bringing news - in all forms - to the Hunter and beyond.
