Martinus EM

b. ? d. ?

DATE OF EM CITATION: 30/01/1909 Kimberley Diamond Mine, South Africa.

Very little is known about the life of diamond miner Martinus other than his actions during the mudslide at the Kimberley Diamond Mine on 29th January 1909.

 

EM CITATION:

On the 30th January, 1909, a mud rush occurred in the Kimberley Mine, causing six natives to be completely cut off by 65 feet of mud. An attempt was made to clear the mud away but a second rush took place, and it was decided that the only possible method of reaching the men was by working over the top of the mud and handing the mud back in small quantities. The men concerned, after most arduous labour — they could only work stretched on planks — succeeded in rescuing the miners who had been entombed forty hours. There was great risk of a further rush, which would have overwhelmed the workers.

 

BURIAL LOCATION: UNKNOWN.

LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.