This Is Your Life: David Park

David PARK GM

THIS IS YOUR LIFE - David Park, National Coal Board official, was surprised by Eamonn Andrews mid-air over Birmingham on board a BEA Viscount flight from Edinburgh to London.

As a boy, David had worked in the pits in New Cumnock, Ayrshire, while studying at the Royal Technical College in Glasgow. He rose within the industry to become the Deputy Labour Director of the Scottish Division of the National Coal Board. In September of 1950, heavy rain caused a mine collapse at the Knockshinnoch Castle Colliery in Ayrshire, leaving 13 miners dead and 116 trapped. Their only escape route was through an old mine, now full of deadly carbon monoxide gas.

David played a vital role in rescuing the trapped miners over three days by volunteering to go down the mine and, in almost impenetrable darkness, teach them how to use the special oxygen masks needed to escape the gas. All 116 men were led to safety in the greatest coal-mining rescue in history, and David was awarded the George Medal for his heroism.

programme details...

Edition No: 177
Subject No: 178
Broadcast: Mon 1 Jan 1962
Broadcast time: 8.00-8.30pm
Recorded: Sun 10 Sep 1961 8.30pm
Venue: BBC Television Theatre
Series: 7
Edition: 14

on the guest list...

Hugh Murray
Malcolm Naismith
Andrew Cunningham
Mr T Walker
Mrs Walker
William Dyer
Andrew Houston
Gibb Grozier
Mr A Walker
Mr A Walker
Mr W Walker
Mr W Walker
Mr J Walker
Mr T Walker
Rt Hon Earl of Balfour

production team...

Researcher: Arthur Sellwood
Writer: Peter Moore
Director: Yvonne Littlewood
Producer: T Leslie Jackson

related page...

Jack of all Trades

from domestic cleaner to teacher

Series 7 subjects