b. 4th Quarter 1865 Selby, Yorkshire. d. 04/1927 Wakefield, Yorkshire.
DATE OF EM ACTION: 04/03/1908 Hamstead Colliery, Staffordshire.
James Cranswick EM
James was one of nine children born to Gershon and Mary Ann Cranswick (nee Vollens). He was born in the winter of 1865 in Selby, Yorkshire. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Whitwood, Yorkshire where the majority of his siblings were born. James became a colliery blacksmith and on 4th February 1894 at St Philips, Whitwood, he married Emily Coles. He and Emily moved to Altofts and they had two sons, Hubert and Claude. Little else is known about James’ life after his part in the rescue of the miners at Hamstead Colliery. He died in Wakefield in 1927, aged 62.
EM CITATION:
On the 4th March, 1908, a fire broke out at the Hemstead Colliery; 24 miners were entombed. The above named miners (together with John Welsby, who succumbed) descended the mine at various times at great personal risk to rescue the miners. They were provided with oxygen apparatus, but were unable to effect their object. His Majesty has been graciously pleased to allow the widow of John Welsby to receive the Medal which would have been granted to her husband.
BURIAL LOCATION: ALTOFTS CEMETERY, NORMANTON, WEST YORKSHIRE. GRAVE 113.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
