Bevin Boys Collection

Theres a look of keen anticipation on the faces of these Bevin Boys about to make their first descent of the Moirrison Pit. 19th January 1944

Boy trainees get their lamps before going below to the Ashington Colliery Companys underground school. 30th April 1942

A photograph of a group of Bevin Boy miners receiving their equipment on their first day at Askern Coliiery near Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Harnessing this pony at Ashington Colliery are some of the boys who are being trained under a newly instituted scheme. 17th June 1941

An instructor at the Government pit school showing Bevin Boys how to follow a seam of coal in Morrison Old Pit, Annefield Plain. 30th December 1943

Langley pit lads in September, 1943

Eighteen year old John Hewetson formerly of St Bees school in Cumberland pictured after arriving at the miners training centre at Swinton, Lancashire during the Second World War January 1944

Glyn Hamblyn of Dinas, Rhondda - 14 year old Pit worker. June 1943 P018196

Coal Miners boys. June 1942 P018192

Pupils at a special training school for boys at Pelaw Main Betty Pit, near Birtley, learn about the care of pit ponies during a lesson given by W. Adamson in 1942

Ashington mothers who went down the pit to see conditions for themselves are shown here in the trainees gallery with two trainees and their pony

Pupils at a special training school for boys at Pelaw Main Betty Pit, near Birtley, learn about the care of pit ponies during a lesson given by W. Adamson in 1942

The practice of using young boys down the pits was abolished earlier this century. These young boys were still at school but were taken down a coal mine to learn about the workings of a pit

Used in Blood and Roses - the centenary year folk music tour for Ewan MacColl. Boys are trained to be miners at Mossbeath Training School, Cowdenbeath, Fife. 13th March 1948

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Theres a look of keen anticipation on the faces of these Bevin Boys about to make their descent into the depths of Ashington Colliery Company. Boy trainees get their lamps before going below, ready to embark on their challenging journey as miners. A photograph captures a group of Bevin Boy miners receiving their equipment, symbolizing the beginning of their arduous yet crucial role in supporting the war effort. Harnessing this pony at Ashington Colliery are some of the boys who are being trained to handle and work alongside these powerful creatures underground. An instructor at the Government pit school guides Bevin Boys on how to follow a seam of coal with precision and expertise, ensuring maximum productivity in extracting this vital resource. In September 1943, Langley pit lads proudly stand together, united by their shared responsibility as Bevin Boys during wartime. Eighteen-year-old John Hewetson, formerly from St Bees school in Cumberland, poses for a picture after embracing his new role as a miner – an unexpected path that fate has led him towards. Glyn Hamblyn from Dinas, Rhondda is captured in June 1943 at just fourteen years old; his youthful face reflects both determination and resilience as he contributes to Britain's coal mining industry. Coal Miner boys gather together in June 1942, showcasing strength beyond their tender age as they shoulder immense responsibilities underground. Pupils at Pelaw Main Betty Pit near Birtley attend a special training school designed specifically for young boys entering this demanding profession – preparing them physically and mentally for what lies ahead. Ashington mothers break societal norms by descending into the pits themselves to witness firsthand the conditions under which their sons will be working tirelessly day after day. Their presence serves not only as support but also highlights the significance placed upon safety measures within this hazardous environment.