Henry Bowers aged 16 years dies in Mining Accident

Just got the death certificate for Henry Bowers

Henry Bowers. born 1903 is tragically killed in a mining accident on 26.2.1919 when he was Handmining on the North level at Victoria Colliery, Black Bull, Biddulph, U.D. He was living at home which was still 140 Back Brook Street, Brown Lees, Black Bull, Biddulph. His occupation given as Colliery horse driver. At a coroners inquest held on 1st March 1919 the cause of death was recorded as,'Suffication through accidentally falling under a tub of coal'. He was buried in the family grave in St Lawrence Church, Biddulph.

I think he was in charge of a pit pony that drew the carts from the face to the main shaft.   I don't thing there would have been mechanised equipment then.