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The Gresford Disaster 
The Gresford Disaster 
You've heard of the Gresford Disaster, Of the terrible price that was paid; Two hundred and forty two colliers were lost, And three of the rescue brigade. 
It occurred in the month of September At three in the morning the pit Was racked by a violent explosion In the Dennis where gas lay so thick. 
Now the gas in the Dennis deep section Was heaped there like snow in a drift, And many a man had to leave the coal-face Before he had worked out his shift. 
Now a fortnight before the explosion, To the shotfirer Tomlinson cried, "If you fire that shot we'll be all blown to hell!" And no one can say that he lied. 
Now the fireman;s reports they are missing The records of forty-two days; The collier manager had them destroyed To cover his criminal ways. 
Down there in the dark they are lying. They died for nine shillings a day; They have worked out their shift and now they must lie In the darkness until Judgement day. 
Now the Lord Mayor of London's collecting To help out the children and wives; The owners have sent some white lilies To pay for the poor colliers' lives. 
Farewell all our dear wives and children Farewell all our comrades as well, Don't send your sons down the dark dreary pit They'll be doomed like the sinners in hell. 
Recorded by Ewan MacColl (Steam Whistle Ballads?) 
Note: the Gresford disaster occurred on Friday, Sept. 22 1934.
 Actually, 265 miners died.RG tune is another Botany Bay variant. MJ