WW2 Bevin Boy - coal miner Frank Robinson

Frank Robinson was called-up in 1943 and was devastated to find that he was one of the 48,000 men that had to serve in the coal mines. If he refused, he would face prosecution.
Frank trained at Woodhouse Colliery in Sheffield and served as a hurrier in Birkenshaw Colliery near Bradford, Yorkshire, until demobbed in 1948. He recalls the cage, using picks and shovels, pushing tubs up inclines with his head, wearing a collar from which he hung his lamp, roof falls, and no pit baths. The only recompense for this compulsory service was getting free coal for home. No medals were issued, and Bevin Boys had no rights to return to their pre-war jobs, unlike Forces personnel.
Talking about job interviews after the war, Frank says that a significant question was ‘What did you do in the war?' and he felt that if he could have replied that he had served in the Armed Forces or had some illustrious career in the Army, it would have made all the difference. He says (with humour) that if he could have kept a straight face, he would have said his wartime service was ‘underground’ and ‘in the dark’.
Frank strived to get recognition for the service of the Bevin Boys and the issue of a veteran’s badge which was eventually awarded in 2008. He was an active member of the Bevin Boys Association and in 2005 was elected Lord Mayor of Leeds.

[@ProjectOcean259]

Very insightful and exciting hearing the experience of a coal miner from the coal miner himself from those times.

[@headron66]

I feel privileged to be able to hear first hand a Bevin Boys story. It was great to hear his story. I disagree with him that the ‘free coal’ his parents received for their fire was not in fact free. Many men died down the pit in them days and the ones that didn’t, did eventually through pit related diseases. So no, that coal was not free. I agree that many miners were mens men but really don’t agree that they were uneducated. I know my grandfather and father were self taught men who thrived on learning. Unfortunately my beautiful father died at 63 years old from lung disease. I also had two great grandfathers that died down the pit, in pit collapses. I do believe now 45 years after the miners strike that the only good thing that came out of it was that no young lad would go down a pit straight out of school and it’s the only thing that I can thank Thatcher for. Respect✊🏼to every man that ever had to work down those black holes.