On 25 June 1952 at Llay Main Colliery there was a fall of roof at the coal face which resulted in George Williams, of Acton View, Old Rhosrobin, being trapped and pinned down by an iron roof support which was held fast by falling stones and debris from the roof, writes Tony Partington.
My father, William 'Bill' Partington, and Joe Parry, a shot firer, immediately began the dangerous work to free George. They worked for 45 minutes with stones and debris still falling on and around them from the roof. Using their bare hands they eventually released George and pulled him clear.
Immediately after the three men managed to scramble clear of the fall area, a massive stone which had hung over the three men's heads fell, bringing with it another massive roof collapse which would have killed all three had they remained a second longer.
Bill and Joe received injuries to their hands in the process of removing the debris with their hands, George escaped with abrasions and injuries to his hand and face.
On the 16 Dec 1952 - William Partington and Joseph Parry received the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct and their names were listed in the honours list in the London Gazette, both were issued with Silver Laurel Leaf Emblems by command of The Queen.
Letters of congratulations were received from Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the chairman; general manager of the NCB; minister of fuel and power; and The Queen.
Bill Partington worked at Llay Main Colliery from 1933-58. He started age 14, becoming deputy and captain of Llay Mine Rescue Team. He left in 1958 to become licensee of the Old Black Horse Inn (Middle Pub) in Rhostyllen, and later ran a scrap metal business.
He was born in the Moss Well in 1919, married Audrey Thomas in 1943. They had three children; Pamela, Tony, and Jacqueline. Bill died in November 1981.
