b. 16/07/1884 Arkendale, Yorkshire. d. 27/05/1947 Copley, Durham.
DATE OF EM ACTION: 03/11/1916 Woodland Colliery, Butterknowle, Durham.
Charles was one of ten children born to George (a miner) and Ellen Slack on 16th July 1884 in Arkendale, Yorkshire. He grew up in the minefields of North Yorkshire, and followed in his father’s footsteps in becoming a hewer. In 1903, he married Annie Stubbs in Durham, and they would have three sons, Thomas, George and Lester, born between 1904 and 1912. During World War I, Charles continued to work in his reserved occupation of mining and was now a deputy overman at Woodland Colliery in Butterknowle. Sadly, his son Thomas died in 1924, aged just 20, and in 1936, his wife passed away. Charles died on 27th May 1947 aged 62.
EM CITATION:
On 2nd November, 1916, a fall of roof occurred, completely burying a hewer named Richardson. Slack immediately sent for help, and himself started to remove the stone from Richardson, although the roof was still obviously very dangerous. Almost immediately a further fall occurred, burying Slack except for his legs. He was pulled out by two hewers, and, after recovering himself, returned to Richardson’s assistance. He worked for about ten minutes, and then told the other helpers to get clear, as another fall was about to occur. He attempted to prop the falling stone up with his back, and by so doing succeeded in canting it off Richardson’s head, which was now exposed, but he himself was again buried. Both men were finally extricated after about one and a half hours’ work. Slack undoubtedly risked his life in saving Richardson.
BURIAL LOCATION: ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCHYARD, LYNESACK, COUNTY DURHAM.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
