A Reluctant Conscript 1944-1948 Part 3

As our period of training was coming to the end and the time came for me to be allotted to colliery in South Yorkshire, a final exam of sorts, to prove that I had retained the basics of the tasks I would be expected to perform I was given a form of introduction and an order to present myself on Monday morning not later than 05.30 at Monckton pithead baths where I would be allocated a locker with keys and two brass dics with the number 685 stamped into the surface, this was to be my works number, a bar of soap -- any colour I liked as long as it was either yellow, pink or blue -- and to be certain to bring my working clothes.
Arrayed in my oldest clothes, new boots and safety helmet I was put under the charge of the pit head forman. I must say the lads had made their shelter very comfortable, the middle of this cabin was dominated by the biggest brazier I have ever seen. Huge lumps of best coal were blazing and the heat that reached to every corner was welcoming and penetrating on this still dark, cold March morning.
At approximately 06.30 winding coal began. Tubs filled to the top wth coal were manually ejected by the empty tubs being pushed by us lads into the waiting cage.
As there are two cages side by side and when one is at the surface the other is at the pit bottom, you can see that there was non stop concentrated activity.
And the cold March winds blew, and the longing for a break and the comfort of the brazier was strong.
Two weeks of this drudgery to be endured.
More groans!!!!!!!!
dusteater

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