Stories from the Great War Vol. I: The Pooley Miners

During World War 1 coal mining was not listed as a reserved occupation and the coal miners of Pooley Hall Colliery were just as likely to receive the call to arms as was any other man. Many of the men who had previously served in the army, were reservists, or members of local militia units, such as the Tamworth Territorials. These men joined their Battalions and embarked to France, others joined the queues at the recruitment centres, whilst others waited to be called up when conscription was implemented. Overall 32 former Pooley Hall miners gave their lives during this terrible conflict and as a tribute a memorial was erected near to the mine works which bears their names. The mine has long closed and the area, now a Country Park, has been returned to nature. Today it is a peaceful place for the men to be honoured and more importantly, remembered. As with all my books the royalties from this work will be donated to the Royal British Legion. See more