WEEK 42

Warren Vale Colliery, between Swinton and Rawmarsh, owned by the Warren Vale (High Hazel) Coal Company was closed on Saturday 21st March 1943, the reason given was for the “efficient prosecution of the war.” The colliery employed 180 men. The bulk of the men were to be transferred to Manvers Main and Kilnhurst collieries. Men too old to find work in the coal industry would be absorbed into other work. The drawing of coal from the colliery only started in 1937 and a pit-head canteen was installed a year or two before closure at a cost of £2,000. Dr. H. S. Houldsworth, Regional Controller for the North Eastern Region, Ministry of Fuel and Power said “This concentration of manpower is required in order to get the coal we shall require for next winter. The scheme will probably be widespread and not confined to Yorkshire.”