Mexborough and Swinton Times December 16, 1939

Right Arm Lost

Wombwell Miner’s Claim

At Rotherham County Court on Tuesday, William Nicholson (61), Coleman, of 158, Station Road, Wombwell, made an application for compensation in respect of injury at Cortonwood Colliery

Mr. Myles Archibald (instructed by Messrs. Raley and Sons), appeared for the applicant, and Mr. Neil Lawson, of London (instructed by Messrs. Gichard and Co.) for the respondents.

It was stated that the applicant had an accident in 1915 to his right arm.

From that time until July, 1931, he did not work and received 35s. a week, full compensation

From 1931 until August, 1933 he had charge of a stationary engine underground. At that time he had still the use of both arms. In January, this year, his right arm was amputated, and he had not worked since.

In evidence, the applicant said he was unable to get to the pit. He could only walk 50 or 100 yards before he was winded and had to stop.

The respondents had offered him a job of driving a haulage engine which had only one lever to move.

Asked if he could do the job, he said he would be afraid for the sake of work mates, if he lost control of the engine.

Mr. Neil Lawson said two one-armed men were doing a similar job, that of driving an engine, and they were able to sit down to it.

His Honour awarded compensation at 35s. a week as from October 23rd and during incapacity.