"Heroes of the Mine"- Dedicated to Our Miners, Their Families and Friends

This week a big box of photos and memorabilia was delivered to me. It had been in storage for about 10 years.
As I was sifting through papers, belonging to my Father, on Wednesday morning... I came across this poem written by My Grandfather, dated 5th March 1927
It was particularly relevant and poignant, due to the terrible tragedy, unfolding here in the West Coast of New Zealand.
As I was typing the Poem, to send to my family, there was a newsflash, that there had been a second explosion and that the 29 Miners, trapped in the mine would have perished.
In shock, I Googled 1927, and found that indeed there was another terrible tragedy, on 1st March 1927 in
The Marine Colliery
Cwm, Blaenau Gwent
55 souls perished.
This area was close to my family home in Rogerstone, Monmouthshire, Wales

My Grandfather, John Samuel was obviously moved by that disaster and on the 5th March 1927, he wrote this poem,
I had to share it. So relevant.
I never knew my Grandad (he died aged 65 in 1929). I wish I had.

Heroes of the Mine

Not alone on the fields of battle
Mid the roar of shell and gun
Where the awful fight is raging
Is the name of Hero won.
Who will dare to tell the story
That our heroes all are dead?
No, we have them by the thousand
In the fight for daily bread
Facing death with all its terrors
In the dark and tragic mine,
Risking all to save a brother
With an energy sublime
Once again that awful message
Flashes through the morning air
Filling homes that were so happy
With its note of sad despair.
While the cry for willing helpers
Stirs each faithful loyal heart,
Ready, stands a band of heroes
Eager there to play their part.
Nurses, Doctors, grim old miners
Quickly answers to the call,
If by chance to save a brother
In the fight they too may fall.
Noble deeds has been recorded
That should stir our hearts with pride,
Men of stations high and lowly
Stand together side by side
Let those deeds be ne-er forgotten
Deep engraved upon each heart,
For a duty done so nobly
Each one played a heroes part.

John Samuel 5th March 1927